Breguet in a nutshell
Basic background on abraham-louis breguet
Abraham-Louis Breguet is one of the most notable watch makers ever. He was born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland on January 10, 1747, he was basically destined to tick-tock his way into history. He passed away in Paris, France on September 17, 1823, exactly two centuries ago. The real MVP here - his wealthy wife! She basically handed him the keys to the watch kingdom by giving him the means to open his own workshop in 1775.
Breguet's copius amount of acheivements
At the ripe age of 15, Breguet moved to Paris where he arguably did his best work. However, he did move back home during the French Revolution. He helped create the automatic watch, developed the gong spring in minute repeaters - previous minute repeaters sounded a bell -, conceived of the tourbillion, advanced the lever escapement, originated the use of the overcoil hairspring, innovated one of the earliest forms of shock protection in watches, and aided in the creation of the keyless watch - previously, watches were wound and adjusted via an external key. Just verbalizing all of his accomplishment's make me exhausted. Apparently, he's designed so many watch mechanisms that it's hard to decipher the true versus inventive claims.
ownership history
After the Abraham-Louis Breguet clocked out for good, his son Antoine-Louis took the reins. But then Antoine's son, Louis-Clement, decided he'd had enough of ticking and tocking, so he went off to study electricity. Talk about switching gears. Louis-Clement sold the company to Edward Brown; Brown was a workshop manager. Meanwhile, the Breguet offspring were busy pioneering the aeronautics industry - because why stick to just telling time when you can reach for the skies, right? Currently, Emmanuel Breguet, a seventh-generation descendant is working with the brand by curating archives in Paris. The Brown Family owned the brand until 1970, when they sold it to Persian jewelers Jacques and Pierre Chaumet. The brand went through more owners than a hot potato during the '80s and '90s, changing hands like a game of musical chairs. Then the Swatch Group bought it in 1999. It acquired the movement make Lemania during the early 1990s and it became part of the Swatch Group.
Celebrity status
A watch with a Breguet signature is going to cost you a pretty penny, which is why Breguet watches were the first to be cloned. Breguet was the cooler Elon Musk of his time; he got mentions from Alexandre Dumas to Jules Verne in their novels, and Marie Antoinette, tsar of Russia, Louis XVI, prince-regent of England, and the sultan of the Ottoman Empire purchased a Breguet. I mean, who needs a fancy carriage when you've got a watch that can tell you the phase of the moon and what day it is?
What breguet is known for
They are world renowned for their hand-engraved, silver plate over gold dials and opulent cases with reeded edges; this style is an updated take on Breguet's original pocket watches. Breguet is best known for its dress watches, namely their Tradition and Classique collections that have complicated calendar displays and tourbillions. Breguet also has a history of making chronographs; Breguet's Type XX aeronautical chronograph was utilized by the French Air Force in the 1950s. Up to this day, a plethora of sport watches are inspired by this best seller. Breguet. Some of their achievements include their oversized tourbillions, high-frequency escapements, astronomical complications, musical chiming watches, and fusée-and-chain mechanisms.
Notable models
The Breguet Classique Moonphase Power Reserve Date 'Jumbo' is the epitome of classic Breguet design, showcasing the brand's iconic features such as the multi-layered guilloché texture on the dial. The Breguet Classique Moonphase Power Reserve Date 'Jumbo' is like the Swiss Army Knife of watches, cramming in complications like time, moon phase, power reserve, and date with the finesse of a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat. Powered by an automatic-winding movement, it's like a tiny engine that could, maintaining its slim case profile despite all the bells and whistles. Adorned with signature Breguet hands and finished with a brown alligator strap, this timepiece represents a significant value proposition in the luxury watch market, combining high-end craftsmanship with fair pricing, especially when acquired pre-owned.
The Breguet Type XXI Flyback Chronograph pays homage to the brand's military history, particularly its commission by the French government in the mid-20th century. It features a luxurious reimagining of the original Type XX design, crafted from rose gold, with a modernized case and classic Breguet design elements. With its flyback function and historical significance, this watch offers a unique blend of visual beauty and mechanical complexity at a relatively accessible price point, reflecting Breguet's philosophy of haute horlogerie for enthusiasts. Furthermore, it embodies Breguet's rich history, evoking the brand's role in French political life and high society.
The Breguet Tradition 7037 is a contemporary masterpiece that merges historical craftsmanship with modern design, popularizing open-worked dials and paying tribute to Breguet's early souscription models (a subscription basis, a quarter of the price is required as a down payment with each order). Its layout and finishing techniques faithfully replicate early Breguet pocket watches, while incorporating modern elements such as a miniature guilloché dial. This balance between historical reverence and contemporary charm has propelled the Tradition line's success, with the Ref. 7037 representing the purest embodiment of this style. Moreover, it showcases Breguet's horological innovations, including an overcoil hairspring and pare-chute shock absorption system, making it a captivating conversation starter for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Credits: The Watch Thoroughly Revised by Gene Stone and Stephen Pulvirent