The Breguet Marine Becomes Even Sportier, Clad in Titanium from Case to Bracelet (Live Pics)

During the “Time To Move” event, which gathered six of the most prestigious brands of the Swatch Group, the star of the show for Breguet was the truly impressive Skeleton version of the Ultra-Thin Automatic Tourbillon. This wasn’t the only novelty and the brand also introduced an evolution of its freshly redesigned Marine collection. This year, it becomes even sportier, as the Marine 5517, Marine Chronographe 5527, and Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 are now available in full titanium, bracelet included.

The Marine collection by Breguet is a modern vision of the watches made by A.L. Breguet at the time he was Chronometer-Maker to the Royal Navy – a title given to him by King Louis XVIII of France in 1815. For over two decades, the Breguet Marine collection was positioned as a modern, more robust and slightly sportier vision of the brand’s style. In 2018, the brand introduced an entirely revised collection, comprising three models – Marine 5517, Marine Chronographe 5527, and Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 – available in gold or titanium, either on rubber or alligator straps.

For 2019, all three models present a full-titanium look, including the bracelet. In all fairness, this is not such a surprising move from the brand, considering the raison d’être of this watch and the demand for full-metal watches (especially for warm countries or more humid regions where metal is more comfortable). What is more surprising, however, is to see a full-metal watch from Breguet. There have been some models in the past for sure, but always in low volumes. Breguet watches are more often seen on straps in keeping with their elegant nature.

The result, available on the 3-hand Marine 5517, the Marine Chronographe 5527 and the Marine Alarme Musicale 5547, is pleasant, as long as you accept having the name Breguet written on the dial of such a bold, sporty and powerful watch. The bracelet is fully integrated into the case and is sized according to the diameter of the watch – 20mm wide on the 5517 and 5547 with 40mm cases, and 22mm wide on the 5527 Chronograph, with its 42.3mm diameter.

The choice for titanium is, on the other hand, extremely wise. As “marine-oriented” watches designed to be worn on a ship’s deck or to withstand a splash of salty water, the choice of titanium and its extreme resistance to corrosion makes sense. Second, it all comes down to comfort and since titanium is much lighter than steel … Thus, these three references, despite being full-metal models and rather large, wear very comfortably. This bracelet features a triple folding clasp.

The rest is familiar and identical to the previous Marine references on rubber or alligator straps. The cases are brushed and polished, the dial is only available in sunburst grey with applied, luminous Roman numerals – which enhances the metallic look. Powering these watches are in-house automatic movements with beautiful decoration, including a nicely shaped rotor and bridges adorned with a specific pattern: guilloched Geneva stripes, reminiscent of wooden decks on a boat. All watches are water-resistant to 100m, except the Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 that, because of its chiming function, is rated to 50m. All other specs remain identical to the watches we reviewed here and here.

These watches will soon be available in stores, at the following prices:

• Breguet Marine 5517 titanium bracelet ref. 5517TI/G2/TZ0 – CHF 19,400
• Breguet Marine Chronographe 5527 titanium bracelet ref. 5527TI/G2/TW0 – CHF 23,500
• Breguet Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 titanium bracelet ref. 5547TI/G2/TZ0 – CHF 30,400

More details on breguet.com.