Updated
Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) vs Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Breguet's dress watch meets Rolex's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) ($10,000–$25,000) delivers Rolex 1570, chronometer certified technology in the tier below the Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) ($25,000+). The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) measures 36mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period. The Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic, Breguet Calibre 502.3 QSE1 (ultra-thin, off-centre rotor). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Rolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) | Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Breguet Calibre 502.3 QSE1 (ultra-thin, off-centre rotor) | Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) |
| Caliber Type | Breguet 502.3 QSE1, automatic, silicon escapement | Rolex 1570, chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | About 45 hours, with indicator | About 48 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback | Acrylic, Cyclops |
| Case Material | 18k yellow gold, fluted caseband | Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Breguet's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) features a 18k yellow gold, fluted caseband case at 39mm with Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback protection. The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) offers Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel construction at 36mm with Acrylic, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Breguet Calibre 502.3 QSE1 (ultra-thin, off-centre rotor) vs Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date)
The Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) runs the Automatic, Breguet Calibre 502.3 QSE1 (ultra-thin, off-centre rotor) (Breguet 502.3 QSE1, automatic, silicon escapement, About 45 hours, with indicator power reserve) at standard frequency. The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) (Rolex 1570, chronometer certified, About 48 hours reserve) at standard. The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Rolex sits in the lower tier
The Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) sits at $25,000+ and the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) uses Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback with About 45 hours, with indicator, against Acrylic, Cyclops and About 48 hours on the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period
The Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) handles 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period. The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Breguet
Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold)
Choose the Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) if you prioritize Breguet 502.3 QSE1, automatic, silicon escapement engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Automatic, Breguet Calibre 502.3 QSE1 (ultra-thin, off-centre rotor) with About 45 hours, with indicator power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) if you value Rolex 1570, chronometer certified technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) with About 48 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) and Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Breguet bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.