What does 'Horloger de la Marine' mean?

'Horloger de la Marine' translates to 'Watchmaker to the Royal Navy.' This title was bestowed upon Abraham-Louis Breguet by King Louis XVIII of France in 1815, recognizing Breguet's production of precision marine chronometers used for naval navigation. This historical connection is the foundation of the modern Marine wristwatch collection.

Does the Breguet Marine come in titanium?

Yes. Since the 2018 redesign, the Breguet Marine has been available in titanium, a material that's approximately 40% lighter than steel and 60% lighter than gold, with excellent corrosion resistance. Titanium Marine models include the time-only 5517, chronograph 5527, and alarme musicale 5547. They can be paired with rubber straps or matching titanium bracelets.

Is the Breguet Marine a good investment?

The Breguet Marine is increasingly viewed as undervalued. Titanium models offer extraordinary craftsmanship-per-dollar compared to competitors from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, or Vacheron Constantin. Neo-vintage Marine references (Ref. 3400, 5817) have appreciated 20-40% over recent years. The Marine won't double overnight, but it represents solid long-term value in a brand that many believe is due for broader market recognition.

How much does a Breguet Marine cost?

Breguet Marine prices start at approximately $16,500 for the time-only Ref. 5517 in titanium on a rubber strap. Chronograph models (Ref. 5527) start around $29,400 in titanium. Gold versions range from $35,000 to $55,000+. Pre-owned prices offer significant savings: a titanium 5517 can be found for $14,000-$16,500, and neo-vintage Marine references start as low as $7,000.

Is the Breguet Marine a good watch?

The Breguet Marine is an exceptional watch by any measure. It features an in-house automatic movement with silicon escapement, hand-guilloché dial, 100m water resistance (on the 5517), and the backing of a brand that has been making watches since 1775. In titanium, it's also comfortable. Many collectors consider it the most undervalued luxury sport watch on the market.

What is the best Breguet Marine to buy?

The Ref. 5517 in titanium on rubber strap is the consensus best-buy Marine: approximately $16,500 retail or $14,000-$16,500 pre-owned for a genuine Breguet with hand-guilloché dial and in-house movement. For chronograph enthusiasts, the titanium Ref. 5527 offers exceptional value. For bargain hunters, the previous-generation Ref. 5817ST in stainless steel can be found for $11,000-$14,000.

Breguet Marine vs Rolex Yacht-Master, which is better?

Different watches for different buyers. The Rolex Yacht-Master ($12,550 retail) offers massive brand recognition and bulletproof resale. The Breguet Marine ($16,500 in titanium) offers hand-guilloché artisanship, silicon escapement technology, and 250 years of horological heritage. The Rolex is the safer financial choice; the Breguet is the more distinguished horological choice.

Is Breguet Marine waterproof?

The Breguet Marine Ref. 5517 is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet), suitable for swimming and recreational water activities. The Alarme Musicale Ref. 5547 is rated to 50 meters. These are adequate for a luxury sport watch, though not for professional diving. Crown guards and screw-down crowns enhance water protection.

Where can I buy a Breguet Marine in NYC?

Breguet has a boutique on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. For pre-owned Breguet Marine watches at competitive prices, visit Ultimate Diamond on 47th Street in NYC's Diamond District: we've been a trusted family-owned dealer since 1959 and carry Breguet across all collections.

Breguet Marine: The Naval Heritage Sport Watch

The Breguet Marine traces its lineage to 1815, when Abraham-Louis Breguet was appointed Horloger de la Marine Royale by Louis XVIII, responsible for all chronometers aboard French naval vessels. The modern Marine collection, relaunched in 2018 with the 5500 series, translates that maritime heritage into a luxury sport watch with 100m water resistance, wave-pattern guilloché dials, and in-house movements with silicon escapements. Available in titanium, 18K rose gold, and platinum. The titanium Ref. 5517 at approximately $16,500 retail is the collection's sweet spot, offering lightweight wearability, 40mm case diameter, and genuine Breguet dial craft at a price below most Audemars Piguet Royal Oak references. Pre-owned Marine models from the previous generation (5817, 3800 series) trade from $5,000-$12,000, representing extraordinary value for Breguet in-house movements with exhibition casebacks. The Marine Chronograph adds flyback functionality. For collectors seeking a sport watch with 250 years of heritage behind it, the Marine has no equal at its price point.

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3 references we can source through our network.

Marine · Source It Marine · Source It Marine · Source It

Specifications

Current Reference5517 (time-only), 5527 (chronograph), 5547 (alarme musicale), 5887 (tourbillon équation marchante)

Case Diameter40mm (5517/5547) / 42.3mm (5527) / 43.9mm (5887)

Case MaterialTitanium, 18K white gold, 18K rose gold, platinum

Crystal TypeSapphire crystal with sapphire caseback

Water Resistance100m / 330ft (5517, 5887); 50m (5547); 30m (5529)

MovementCal. 777A (5517), Cal. 582QA (5527), Cal. 519F/1 (5547): all in-house automatic with silicon components

Movement TypeAutomatic (all current references)

Power Reserve55 hours (5517), 48 hours (5527), 45 hours (5547)

Bezel TypeFixed coin-edge fluted bezel in matching case metal

BraceletIntegrated rubber strap or metal bracelet (titanium or gold depending on model)

Dial ColorsBlue (sunburst or guilloché), Slate grey, White/silver, Black

LumeLuminescent fill on Breguet hands and hour markers

Year Introduced1990

Current Retail M S R P$16,500 (5517 titanium on rubber) to $307,500+ (5887 tourbillon): 2025

Made InSwitzerland (Vallée de Joux)

History

Abraham-Louis Breguet's connection to the sea was formalized in 1815 when King Louis XVIII of France bestowed upon him the title 'Horloger de la Marine Royale': Watchmaker to the Royal Navy. Breguet produced marine chronometers of extraordinary precision for French naval expeditions, instruments that helped chart unknown waters and ensured safe navigation. The modern Marine wristwatch collection, introduced in 1990, began as a modest line of sporty dress watches. It underwent a significant aesthetic refresh in 2005 under Nicolas G. Hayek's leadership, adding chronograph complications and bolder proportions. The transformative moment came in 2018 when Breguet completely redesigned the Marine with integrated lugs, wave-motif guilloché dials, titanium options, and a distinctly modern sport-luxury identity: arguably the most significant Breguet collection relaunch in decades.

Iconic References

Buying Guide

• The collector who wants a luxury sport watch from the brand that invented watchmaking. Not just a fashion house
• Those seeking titanium lightweight comfort with haute horlogerie finishing
• Maritime/nautical enthusiasts who appreciate the historical 'Horloger de la Marine' connection
• Value hunters: the Marine in titanium offers extraordinary craftsmanship-per-dollar
• Collectors building a Breguet collection who want something sportier than the Classique

Pricing & Market Data

Retail MSRP

value$16,500 (5517 Ti on rubber); $29,400 (5527 Ti chrono); $28,600 (5547 Ti alarm); up to $307,500 (5887 tourbillon): 2025

Pre-Owned Market

value$14,000-$18,000 (5517 Ti pre-owned); $22,000-$35,000 (5527 pre-owned); $7,000-$14,000 (neo-vintage 3400/5817 pre-owned)

Market Trajectory

The Marine is experiencing a quiet renaissance. Titanium models are increasingly recognized as best-value luxury sport watches. Neo-vintage references are appreciating as Breguet awareness grows. The 250th anniversary has amplified attention across all collections.

Investment Grade

B-plus. The Marine titanium models offer excellent craftsmanship-per-dollar and are poised for appreciation as Breguet's undervaluation is corrected. Neo-vintage references (5817ST in particular) have strong upside potential.

Best Value Pick

Ref. 5517 in titanium on rubber strap, a genuine Breguet with hand-guilloché dial, silicon-equipped in-house movement, and 100m WR for roughly $14,000-$16,500 pre-owned. Possibly the best-value haute horlogerie sport watch on the market.

Comparisons

Cultural Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

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