A.-L. Breguet, born in Neuchatel, Switzerland, founded Breguet Watches in Paris in 1775. Breguet was one of the great innovators in watchmaking, and he studied all aspects of making quality timepieces. Today, his heirs carry on the tradition he began. Two of the early enthusiasts of Breguet's skills as the most innovative watchmaker of his time were Queen Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Notable patrons included Napoleon Bonaparte and Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.
Breguet Innovations
Breguet Watches were the first self-winding perpétuelle watches. He introduced the first shock-proof watches and gongs for repeating watches. Each new style created by Breguet was created to be an improvement on previous designs, with ruby- cylinder or lever escapements. He was responsible for perfecting each new design before it was introduced to the public.
The first carriage clock he designed was sold to Bonaparte. He invented a balance spring, the sympathetique clock, and the patented tourbillon in 1801. Breguet became the chronometer to the navy and received the Legion of Honour from Louis XVIII. The first of the perpétuelle Breguet Watches made their introduction in 1780.
He invented the first musical chronometer in 1798, and in 1810, he began development on the world's first wrist watch which was presented to the Queen of Naples in 1812. In 2008, a replica of the Marie Antoinette watch, which was designed based on descriptions of the original, was created.
Breguet watches in Louvre Museum
Breguet Collections
Tradition is based on the original Souscription timepieces, with the finish on the surface applied by hand. The Classique Collection features the precious metals and Arabic, enamel dials on select designs. The Classique Complications Collection features two patents for perpetual calendars designed by Breguet Watches. The watches in the Marine Collection features the chronometers that Breguet designed for the French Navy, and includes the Marine 8818BB/59/564 DD00 model in 18-carat white gold with a self-winding movement.
The Heritage Collection combines 21st century technology with the creativity of the 18th century with fluting on the case-band and a curving tonneau case. The Type XX/Type XXI style designed in the 1950s qA creation for French naval aviators, and has been re-designed for the civilian market as a dependable sports watch. The Héritage
8860BR/11/386 water resistant watch is a creation in 18-carat rose gold with the phases of the moon and a rose gilt moon at 1 o'clock.
The first watch Breguet created for Queen Caroline of Naples and watches for famous European noblewomen is the basis for the Reine de Naples Collection. High Jewellery Watches combine intricate styling, precious gems, and elegant designs to evoke the opulence of the French court. One of the most extravagant watches in the collection is the stunning GJE21BB20.8924D01 model, set with 19 carats of diamonds, an 18 carat silvered gold dial, and a mother-of-pearl overlay.
Breguet continues to be an innovator in the watchmaking industry. The company celebrates the classic timepieces and jewellery of Breguet with events hosted in exciting global locations including grand prix events, exclusive wine tastings, and magical evenings in Bavaria.