The word 'special' comes around too often in the watch world these days, and I am the first to admit that I have used it on my own watches as well. I have been fortunate enough to handle some interesting various of watches this year, but this Breguet Classique Jump Hour was easily the best piece I have acquired in 2025.
Jump Hours overall never appealed to me personally. I have something against cuts on a dial (there are always exceptions) so I passed on a lot of opportunities to acquire the Breguet Jump Hours. However, a random summer days, I was having an espresso by myself at a cafe in Seoul, and I saw this Thai numeral Breguet Jump Hour. I had no idea this even existed, and decided to dig into the watch. Me being an asian, living and working mostly in Europe, the thought of wearing this piece in Europe spoke to me. I have no affiliation with the country of Thailand (not that I know of) but somewhere in the back of my head was whispering to me that I need to own it. So I contacted the owner, flew over and met him in person. And I am very happy to say that I have made a new friend due to acquiring this watch, making it even more special.
This specific Jump Hour ref.3429 was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the former Thai King, his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, hence making only 50 pieces limited, with this example being number 12 out of 50, engraved on the case back in Thai Numeral (I had to learn a bit of Thai Numerals) Although the 50th anniversary was in 1996, the watch was made in 2000, unclear of the reasoning behind the delay of 4 years.
One interesting feature I found out only after acquiring the watch is the fact that this features a 24 hour jumping hour disk, not a 12 hour jump hour which most jump hours usually feature. More numerals for me to learn.
The watch is entirely cased in 950 Platinum, giving significant heft and presence on the wrist while maintaining the traditional 35mm case with 42mm lug to lug. The dial design on this 3429 is unique to its own, comparing to the 3420 as serially produced jump hours features a glossy enamel dial with Breguet numerals to indicate the minute. However, this piece features a two tone dial, emphasising the Thai numerals, surrounded by 2 different Guilloche pattern, which is Breguet's well known classic, as well as their signature coin edge case surrounding.
Accompanying the dial underneath 12 o'clock is one of His Majesty' crest, as I have discovered that he had crest design commemorating different milestones. Flip the watch over, the commemoration continues as the entire caseback is engraved in His Majesty's golden jubilee year which is the ceremonial emblem to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the King's Accession to the Throne.
The engine behind the watch is Breguet's Automatic Caliber 562, which is also featured in their serially produced Jump Hour ref.3420. The only difference one this caliber, as stated above, will be the 24 hour jump hour disk, instead of the traditional 12 hour disk.
On the wrist, this is still classic Breguet from that era. The 35mm case with 10mm thickness sit comfortably on the wrist, and will slide underneath any cuffs. But the two tone dial with the Thai numerals give such unique look to the classic proportioned watch.
I am happy to say that this guy has been in my rotation very regularly since acquiring it last summer, and whenever I put the watch on, I can think back to the memories made to acquire this piece, making it more meaningful. As stated before, I really try not to use the word special a lot, but this; it's very special.
