新闻资讯News

——从1795到2025：Breguet 如何以机械语言重新校准历史
——From 1795 to 2025: How Breguet Recalibrated History Through Mechanics

一、Sympathique：再塑大师“完美一天”构想 Reimagining the Master’s “Perfect Day” Mechanism

 https://tinyurl.com/2s372pb3

在1795年，Abraham-Louis Breguet 为怀表打造了 Sympathique 座钟——这是一种能够自动为怀表上链、校时并微调误差的装置，被誉为钟表史上最具创意的系统之一。该概念只诞生了极少数成品，并因技术门槛极高长期被视作神话。

In 1795, Abraham-Louis Breguet created the Sympathique clock for pocket watches—a system capable of automatically winding, regulating, and fine-tuning a detachable timepiece. Regarded as one of the most ingenious inventions in horological history, only a handful of these systems were ever produced due to their extreme technical complexity, becoming a near-mythical chapter in watchmaking.

在品牌250周年之际，Breguet 决定重启这一传奇：一款全新的 Sympathique 系统座钟即将问世，融合滚筒式微调显示模块和可互操作腕表。结合现有专利图与行业预测，该系统或将配套两款特别腕表——Marine 陀飞轮及 Tradition 自然擒纵表款，组成“座钟+腕表”的复合系统。

On the occasion of its 250th anniversary, Breguet has decided to relaunch this legend: a brand-new Sympathique system table clock is set to debut, integrating a roller-type fine-adjustment display module and an interoperable wristwatch. Based on existing patent drawings and industry predictions, this system will likely be paired with two special timepieces—a Marine Tourbillon and a Tradition Natural Escapement model—forming a "table clock + wristwatch" compound system.

二、滚筒式校时：以机械完成校准的诗意机制 Drum-Type Time Setting: A Poetic Mechanism of Mechanical Calibration

  EP4202575B1

不同于传统指针与表冠，Breguet 此次系统采用“drum-type”滚筒式结构进行时间校准。滚筒模块或由座钟控制，精确控制腕表分针与时针的复位节奏，减少人为干扰与误差积累。此类结构需要极高机械协调度，尤其是在座钟与腕表间的瞬时啮合中保证同步传动，这为现代精密加工带来巨大挑战，也推动机械制表自动化再迈一步。

Unlike traditional hands and crowns, Breguet's reveal that this system employs a "drum-type" roller structure for time calibration. The drum module is likely controlled by the table clock, precisely regulating the reset rhythm of the wristwatch's minute and hour hands to reduce human interference and minimize error accumulation. Such a structure demands an exceptionally high degree of mechanical coordination, particularly in ensuring synchronous transmission during the instantaneous engagement between the table clock and wristwatch. This presents significant challenges for modern precision machining, while also advancing mechanical watchmaking automation a step further.


三、自然擒纵回归：从未竟理想到可量产真章 Return of the Natural Escapement: From Unrealized Ideal to Viable Production

自然擒纵（échappement naturel）是 Breguet 于1802年提出的无润滑、高效率逃逸机制，采用双逃逸轮实现双向能量传递，理论效率远超杠杆擒纵。然而，由于结构复杂、啮合不稳、难以自启，历史上仅小批试验，未能广泛应用。

The Natural Escapement (échappement naturel), proposed by Breguet in 1802, is a lubricant-free, high-efficiency escapement mechanism that employs dual escape wheels to achieve bidirectional energy transmission, with theoretical efficiency far surpassing that of the lever escapement. However, due to its complex structure, inconsistent engagement, and self-starting difficulty, it was only produced in limited experimental batches historically and never achieved widespread adoption.

此次 Tradition 系列搭载自然擒纵，将成为其现代首次量产化尝试。Breguet 或通过现代硅材料、微型弹簧与精密制造，解决自启动困难与啮合滞后问题，使这一古典结构真正走入佩戴者日常。从历史的遗憾走向今日的实用，体现品牌对技术极限的再定义。

The upcoming Tradition collection’s incorporation of the Natural Escapement will mark its first modern industrialized production attempt. Breguet likely addresses the self-starting challenge and engagement hysteresis through modern silicon components, micro-springs, and precision manufacturing, enabling this classical architecture to truly integrate into wearers' daily lives. Transitioning from historical regret to contemporary utility, this embodies the brand’s redefinition of technical boundaries.


四、结构革新背后的检验挑战：自然擒纵与滚筒系统的可信验证

这套系统融合了两个独立复杂结构：滚筒式自动校时与自然擒纵高效驱动，是对品牌250年技术积淀的集中表达，也标志着传统钟表机械结构向自动化与高效能方向的突破。系统需在座钟中以机械方式精准捕捉腕表时间差，并通过传动装置同步调校，稍有偏差即可能影响整体走时。这意味着一套复杂的齿轮-传动-锁定-复位系统需在极其有限的容积中高效运行，这对加工精度和结构稳定性提出了远超传统标准的要求。

This system integrates two independent complex structures: roller-type automatic time correction and high-efficiency Natural Escapement drive, serving as a concentrated expression of the brand’s 250-year technical legacy while marking a pioneering breakthrough in traditional horological mechanics toward automation and high efficiency. The system must mechanically detect temporal discrepancies in the wristwatch with precision within the table clock, then synchronize adjustments via transmission mechanisms—any minimal deviation could compromise overall timekeeping accuracy. This necessitates the efficient operation of an intricate gear-transmission-locking-reset system within an extremely constrained volume, imposing demands on machining precision and structural stability that surpass conventional benchmarks.

自然擒纵方面，双逃逸轮的能耗、抗震性与频率恢复力等问题均对结构设计与装配精度提出极高要求。不同于普通杠杆擒纵的线性传动，自然擒纵在高摆幅变动、温度变化与长时间运行下容易出现非线性偏差，因此必须通过多维度、动态化的测试手段进行验证。

Regarding the Natural Escapement, the energy consumption, shock resistance, and frequency recovery capability of the dual escape wheels impose exceptionally high demands on structural design and assembly precision. Unlike the linear transmission of conventional lever escapements, the Natural Escapement is prone to non-linear deviations under high-amplitude variations, temperature fluctuations, and prolonged operation. Consequently, it must undergo multidimensional, dynamic testing methodologies for validation.

EP4053643B1

•双逃逸轮结构

自然擒纵的核心在于两个逃逸轮的交错啮合，由悬臂式“detent”释放器来回锁定与释放，形成双向冲击机制。每次振动产生两次动力输出，实现理论上最平衡、最稳定的能量传递。然而，这一结构对轮齿啮合精度提出极高要求，任何微小偏差都可能导致能量传递不连续或震荡滞后。轮齿必须保持微米级啮合间隙，检验环节中需借助高倍光学仪或扫描电子显微镜（SEM）对啮合区域进行微观缺陷检测与材料疲劳分析，确保其长期耐用性。

•Dual Escape Wheel Architecture

The core of the Natural Escapement lies in the interleaved engagement of two escape wheels, alternately locked and released by a cantilevered detent mechanism, forming a bidirectional impulse system. Each oscillation generates two power impulses, achieving theoretically optimal balance and stability in energy transfer. However, this structure demands extreme precision in wheel-tooth engagement. Any minute deviation may cause discontinuous energy transmission or oscillation hysteresis. The teeth must maintain micrometer-level engagement clearance, requiring high-magnification optical instruments or Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) during inspection to conduct micro-defect detection and material fatigue analysis on the engagement zones, ensuring long-term durability.

•无油运转与机械寿命

传统擒纵系统中，润滑油的老化与扩散常导致摩擦力不稳定，影响走时精度。而自然擒纵结构的最大优势之一便是无需润滑，依靠高精密材料（如硅）与低摩擦接触面实现稳定运行。这也意味着系统对零件几何一致性、表面处理和摩擦系数的容忍度更低。在检测中，除了常规计时测试外，还需对摩擦点进行微观磨损跟踪和表面能耗图谱分析，以模拟长时间佩戴后的机械寿命衰减。

•Oil-Free Operation and Mechanical Longevity

In traditional escapement systems, aging and dispersion of lubricants often lead to unstable friction, compromising timekeeping accuracy. A key advantage of the Natural Escapement is its lubricant-free operation, relying on high-precision materials (e.g., silicon) and low-friction contact surfaces for stable performance. This also means the system exhibits lower tolerance thresholds for component geometric consistency, surface treatment, and friction coefficients. Beyond standard chronometric testing, quality control requires micro-wear tracking at friction points and surface energy mapping analysis to simulate mechanical aging after extended wear.

•自启动问题与同步协调


历史上的自然擒纵多存在自启动问题——即当机芯静止后，因 detent 启动方向单一，需较大外力才能再次启动。这对佩戴舒适性和启动灵敏度构成隐患。新专利中可能采用弹性复位结构与低摩擦转臂设计，提升其对微小振幅的响应能力。该方案的关键在于确保 detent 触发阈值的精准设定，并在腕表未满弦或动力储存边缘状态下仍具备可靠响应。在检验过程中，工程师需进行多轮极限振幅测试与低能耗起动模拟，评估其在真实佩戴情境中的表现。

•Self-Starting and Synchronization Challenges

Historically, the Natural Escapement frequently exhibited self-initiation challenges—when the movement ceased, the detent's unidirectional activation mechanism required substantial external force to restart. This posed potential risks to wearability comfort and initiation sensitivity. The new patent likely addresses this through an elastic reset structure and low-friction rotating arm design, enhancing responsiveness to minimal amplitudes. The solution’s efficacy hinges on precisely setting the detent’s activation threshold while ensuring reliable performance during low mainspring tension or near power-reserve depletion. During validation, engineers must execute multi-phase low-amplitude testing and low-energy startup simulations to evaluate real-world wearing performance.

这正凸显出独立第三方检测机构的重要性。在高级复杂机芯问世前，唯有系统化检验流程，才能将理论性能转化为稳定输出。比如，通过高频计时仪监测摆幅与误差变化、热冲击模拟评估擒纵系统是否能保持一致输出，以及耐震性与走时一致性的动态评估，才能真正评估结构稳定性与可用性。

This precisely underscores the critical importance of independent third-party testing institutions. Before any advanced complex movement reaches the market, only systematic verification protocols can transform theoretical performance into consistent output. For instance: Monitoring amplitude-error correlation via high-frequency timing instruments, Assessing the escapement system’s output consistency through thermal shock simulation, Conducting dynamic evaluations of shock resistance and timekeeping stability—these processes are essential to precisely evaluate structural integrity and functional usability.

近年来，第三方质量控制平台正逐渐成为制表业背后的“隐形力量”。以 SWQC（Shenzhen Watch & Clock Quality Centre）为例，其在复杂擒纵结构、滚筒驱动机制、硅材零部件失效分析等领域积累了深厚检测能力，能为品牌新技术提供独立、权威的验证支持。这些来自实验室的数据支撑，正是连接品牌愿景与消费者信任的桥梁。

In recent years, third-party quality platforms like SWQC (Shenzhen Watch & Clock Quality Centre) have become pivotal "invisible forces" behind watchmaking. With proven expertise in complex escapement validation, roller-drive mechanism analysis, and silicon component failure diagnostics, they provide brands with independent, authoritative certification. Laboratory-generated data bridges brand innovation with consumer trust.

若未来 Breguet 能结合检测机构发布透明测试指标，如自然擒纵在多种环境下的±秒稳定性，或滚筒系统在百次重复啮合后的误差曲线，无疑将进一步强化其“创新+实证”的品牌定位，也让更多人理解这项复兴之作的真正含金量。

Should Breguet publish transparent metrics—such as the Natural Escapement’s ±second stability across environments or the roller system’s error curves after 100 engagement cycles—via such agencies, it would fortify its "innovation + verification" brand ethos and reveal the true intrinsic value of this revival.


五、尾声：历史被重新校准，未来已抵达 Epilogue: History Recalibrated, the Future Arrives

从1795年的怀表座钟，到1802年的自然擒纵构想，再到2025年全新 Sympathique 系统的复兴，Breguet 正以极具未来感的方式完成一次技术回溯与文化延伸。Breguet 正朝着“让大师百年未竟的梦想复活”方向迈进。这不仅是对 Abraham‑Louis Breguet 时代精神的延续，也是机械制表边界的再拓展。

From the 1795 table clock for pocket watches to the 1802 conception of the Natural Escapement, culminating in the 2025 revival of the new Sympathique system, Breguet executed a technological renaissance and cultural continuum with distinctly futuristic vision. The brand advances toward "reanimating the unrealized dreams of past masters"—a pursuit that extends the spirit of the Abraham-Louis Breguet era while redefining the frontiers of mechanical watchmaking.

机械之美，从来不止于视觉呈现，更在于结构与时间之间的精妙博弈。而这一次，我们不仅看到了时间的回响，更看见了检验、设计与工程三者融合所带来的真正革新。

The beauty of mechanics transcends visual grandeur, residing fundamentally in the intricate interplay between structure and time. Here, we witness not merely an echo through centuries, but a true revolution born from the convergence of verification, design, and engineering.

来源Reference

Breguet Official Website. Sympathique Historical Archive

https://tinyurl.com/2s372pb3

Breguet Technical Notes. Drum-Type Calibration & Natural Escapement Documentation

https://tinyurl.com/mw4dby3c

Inspection & Testing for Watch & Clock All in SWQC-SWQC深圳市钟表质量检验中心 

 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/shenzhen-watch-clock-quality-test-center-swqc