Updated
Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) vs Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
Breguet's dress watch meets Rolex's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) ($25,000+) and Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) ($25,000+) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) emphasizes Breguet 502.3 QSE1, automatic, silicon escapement engineering while the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Rolex
Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
$25,000+
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) | Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 39mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Breguet Calibre 502.3 QSE1 (ultra-thin, off-centre rotor) | Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date |
| Caliber Type | Breguet 502.3 QSE1, automatic, silicon escapement | Rolex 3055, chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | About 45 hours, with indicator | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, sapphire caseback | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | 18k yellow gold, fluted caseband | 18k yellow gold, fluted 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 Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) offers 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal, 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 3055, 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 Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) uses the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date (Rolex 3055, chronometer certified, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) edges ahead on 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 Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Breguet Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) sits at $25,000+ and the Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) at $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 Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case
The Classique 7137 Power Reserve Moonphase (18k yellow gold) is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) handles 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case. The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) 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
Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) if you value Rolex 3055, chronometer certified technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date with About 42 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 Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) 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.