Writing Instruments by Breguet
By Breguet blog • july 1, 2024
Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.
— francis bacon, OF STUDIES
BREGUET’S WATCHMAKERS are both fearless and humble. No challenge is either too great or too mundane to spark Breguet’s innovative instincts. Over the years, many well-known literary figures have immortalised their admiration for the craft of Abraham-Louis Breguet in many classic works. The most famous quotes can be found here: Breguet in Literature. In appreciation of those authors, the Maison embarked on the challenge of creating an original set of writing instruments.
Featured in this article are pens inspired by the Classique collection of watches which celebrate Breguet’s artistry and aesthetic in a collection of simple (time-only) and complicated watches. These include perpetual calendars and sublime moon-phase displays; Breguet’s proprietary, high frequency escapement (10 Hz); the alarm wristwatch Le Reveil du Tsar; the charming La Musicale as well as a number of exceptional chronographs culminating in the magnificent Hora Mundi.
The full set of writing instruments consists of three pens: Classique fountain pen, Classique ballpoint pen/mechanical pencil and Classique roller pen, all in 925 sterling silver with platinum plating to prevent tarnishing. The pens are available individually or as a full set. They are presented in beautiful lacquered wooden marquetry boxes that are finished to the same high standard as the boxes which accompany Breguet’s finest timepieces.
Classique Fountain Pen
The fountain pen is naturally the highlight of the collection.[1] The hallmarks from Breguet’s watchmaker’s are immediately evident and have been seamlessly carried over from the Classique collection of watches. The chief characteristics are:
-
Barrel/Screw-in Cap/Flexible Clip: Guilloché on sterling silver barrel and cap with Breguet Blue resin accents. A small blue sapphire located at the top of the clip; guilloché fluted bands on the cap and barrel
-
Nib: 18k white gold with Breguet’s classic “B” monogram
-
Signature: Cap engraved with maker’s name at point of clip, classic “B” monogram on top of the cap
-
Length: 14 cm
-
Accompaniments: Maker’s presentation box, guarantee card and black ink pot
Breguet Classique Fountain pen in silver, ref. WI01AG03F. Photo © Montres Breguet SA
The fountain pen is a classic piston-filled pen and therefore eschews the common cartridge or converter for refilling. That means the pen is pump-activated by rotation of the extremity of the pen. Though heavier than most fountain pens, it has been perfectly balanced and the overall weight adds to the pen’s stature as a luxurious writing instrument. The pen is sumptuously adorned with Breguet’s famous guilloché and “wave” pattern and in addition to the quintessential coin-edging (fluted band) located on the end of the cap and barrel, the cap is also adorned with a flexible clip in the style of Breguet’s famous hour and minute hands. One of the outstanding features of these pens is that every part of the pen has been lavishly decorated and hallmarked. The finishing is exquisite and the pen, together with its presentation box, is instantly recognisable as a fine piece of jewellery in its own right.
Breguet Classique Fountain pen in its lacquered presentation box, plus portable pen holder and ink pot.
Photos © Breguet Blog
A perfect companion for writing diaries, letters and postcards. Photo © Breguet Blog
Detail showing the medium nib, with an ebonite feed, in 18k white gold, rhodium masked, with Breguet’s classic “B” monogram; other nib sizes available include B (broad) and F (fine). Photo © Breguet Blog
Classique Ballpoint Pen / Mechanical Pencil
The ballpoint pen was pioneered and patented in 1888 by John J. Loud (1844-1916), an American inventor who graduated as a lawyer from Harvard College.[2] The ballpoint has since become the world’s most used writing instrument and, perhaps, the most disposable alongside the ubiquitous pencil.
Breguet’s ballpoint fits the mould of a modern, contemporary pen on the go. This pen is convertible into a mechanical pencil and differs from the roller pen in that it does not have a cap. The specifications are similar to the other two pens in this collection:
-
Barrel/Flexible Clip: Guilloché on sterling silver barrel with Breguet Blue resin accents. A small blue sapphire located at the top of the clip; guilloché fluted band on the cap
-
Signature: Cap engraved with maker’s name at point of clip, classic “B” monogram on top of the cap
-
Convertible to a mechanical pencil with rotative mechanism, accepts graphite leads Ø0.7 mm
-
Length: 14 cm
-
Accompaniments: Maker’s presentation box, guarantee card and set of 5 cartridges for ballpoint
Breguet Classique Ballpoint pen / mechanical pencil in silver, ref. WI03AG03F. Photo © Montres Breguet SA
Breguet Classique Ballpoint pen / mechanical pencil in its lacquered presentation box, plus portable pen holder. Underneath the pen is a hidden compartment for refills. Photos © Breguet Blog
A handy crossword companion inspired by Breguet, a true renaissance man.
Photo © Breguet Blog
Classique Roller Pen
The roller pen is the more formal accompaniment to the fountain pen because of its cap. At the same time it is the natural cousin to the ballpoint pen and a practical assistant for day-to-day use. Either in or out of the office. Both perform equally well and are a pleasure to write with. Ultimately it is a matter of personal preference when it comes to choosing between the two. The specifications are almost identical to the fountain pen, save for the monogrammed nib:
-
Barrel/Screw-in Cap/Flexible Clip: Guilloché on sterling silver barrel and cap with Breguet Blue resin accents. A small blue sapphire located at the top of the clip; guilloché fluted bands on the cap and barrel
-
Signature: Cap engraved with maker’s name at point of clip, classic “B” monogram on top of the cap
-
Length: 14 cm
-
Accompaniments: Maker’s presentation box, guarantee card and set of 5 cartridges roller easy flow
Breguet Classique Roller pen in silver, ref. WI02AG03F. Photo © Montres Breguet SA
Classique Pens Full Set
Purists will appreciate the availability of the full set of Classique pens. The full set comes in a generously-sized presentation box that includes all the accessories outline above. Ink pots and refills can be obtained from any official Breguet boutique. Additionally, the pens are designed and manufactured to meet global standards so that refills may be purchased from all reputable stationers. Specifications:
Full Set
-
Fountain pen
-
Roller pen
-
Ballpoint pen / mechanical pencil
Accessories
-
Black ink pot
-
Set of 5 cartridges roller easy flow
-
Set of 5 cartridges for ballpoint pen
-
Mechanical Pencil, accepts graphite leads Ø0.7 mm
-
Leather case for three pens
-
Lacquered wooden marquetry case
Classique Three-piece Diamond Set
The artisans at Breguet created an ultra-rare set of Classique pens adorned with baguette diamonds. These pens are the same as those featured in this article except for the following refinements:
-
Top of cap paved with baguette diamonds, replacing the classic “B” monogram on top of the cap
-
Two small blue sapphires set into the clip
-
Flexible Clip paved with baguette diamonds
-
Guilloché fluted bands on the cap and barrel paved with baguette diamonds
The Classique diamond-set pens are exceptional examples of haute joaillerie applied to Breguet’s writing instruments. Only a handful of sets were produced worldwide and the scarcity of these pens is equal to the most mysterious Grande Complications made by Breguet today.
Breguet Classique Pens Full Set, ref. WIS1AG03F, with fine leather carrying pouch, ink pot and a hidden refills compartment in a luxurious lacquered wooden marquetry box. Either the set or the individual pens make ideal gifts that will delight and move the recipient.
Photo © Montres Breguet SA