Breguet Breguet Ref. 3947 Rattrapante Split-Seconds Chronograph Wristwatch ref.3947BB/12/9V6

The Breguet Ref. 3947, with a diameter of 38mm, is one of the representative models from the 1990s. It utilizes the Lemania Cal. 2320 as its base movement. Only Patek Philippe and Breguet, among all the brands using the Lemania 2320 movement, upgraded it with the "chronograph with split-seconds" function. Patek Philippe introduced the reference 5004 with a perpetual calendar and split-seconds, while Breguet introduced the reference 3947.

The production of the "chronograph with split-seconds" is extremely difficult. It requires creating a perfectly vertical elongated hole within the already delicate chronograph seconds hand axis to accommodate the split-seconds hand. Therefore, very few brands in history have been able to produce this feature. When the Ref. 3947 was launched, Lemania was already under the ownership of Breguet, making it a fully in-house produced movement.

Traditional split-seconds chronographs have a bug where, after the split-seconds hand is separated, a clamp can get stuck between gears. The friction between the gears can reduce the amplitude of the watch's oscillation, affecting its timekeeping accuracy. To address this issue, Breguet implemented a special mechanical structure in this split-seconds movement, allowing for additional mechanical actions during the separation of the split-seconds hand and disengaging the gears. This is the essence and value of this timepiece.

The Ref. 3947 being shared today is in its original condition, with the movement in good shape, and it comes with the original watch box.