So it is a very nice modern piece in my opinion. It was December of 2007 - I had just gotten my year-end bonus, I was 32, single, had a full head of hair, and really didn't have a care in the world (even though I was increasingly starting to hear about how HPI assumption in more recently issued mortgage CDO's were not materializing as quickly as the models had predicted and that it was starting to create some stress in the deal structures) nonetheless the year was pretty much done and I was determined not to think about work until I came back from vacation - I was heading to Antigua in a couple days for a 10 trip with my then girl friend (now wife).

I spotted this while strolling the mean streets of Greenwich, CT where I was living at the time and thought it would be a nice Christmas present to myself.

It is a Breguet Marine Chronograph Ref. 5827 - you are correct in that both the second and minute hands for the chronograph are maneuvered by the center pinion.

It's got a nice look to it and I thought it would be a great dress watch for days when I was not going to work out. (My Rolex was my beater watch)

It's got a sapphire case back where you can see the automatic movement. The case and buckle mechanism are white gold and I think are very sharp against the pearl white dial and blue hands. Despite the dial and face of the watch being very busy in terms of scales and markers - it still looks very clean due to the subdue color palette and blue hands

I've often thought about selling it - along with an A.Lange maybe to fund an Heuer acquisition (maybe for a Chronomatic)- but every time I wear it I am reminded why I like it in the first place.

Cheers,
Lanny