Abraham-Louis Breguet still represents the most important and influential watchmaker in history, having laid the technical and theoretical foundations of modern watchmaking. Thanks to his extraordinary innovativeness and pioneering studies, Breguet was able to introduce revolutionary components and complications to the world of hands. These include the famous Tourbillon, the refined Breguet balance spring, and the first self-winding pocket timepieces, innovations that marked a momentous turning point in the way watches were conceived and made.
Alongside technical innovations, Breguet set new aesthetic standards that continue to influence watch design. His stylistic contributions include the iconic Breguet hands, the masterful use of Guilloché finish on dials, elegant coin cases, and the creation of the first wristwatch made for Carolina Murat, a design that revolutionized the concept of the watch.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the House of Breguet in Paris in 1775, Sotheby’s has decided to honor this exceptional legacy with a thematic auction scheduled for next November, an event that will offer the opportunity to admire and collect timeless masterpieces, symbols of the relentless innovation and elegance that characterized the work of Abraham-Louis Breguet.
The partnership between Sotheby’s and Breguet.
To ensure that the exceptional legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet is celebrated in the best possible way, Sotheby’s has chosen to establish a very close partnership not only with the Montres Breguet SA brand, but in particular with Emmanuel Breguet, the brand’s Vice-President and Head of Heritage and a direct descendant of the maison’s founder. This synergy makes it possible to honor in an authentic and accurate way the history and innovations that have marked the evolution of modern watchmaking.
The auction, scheduled for this November in Geneva, will run alongside the “Important Watches” event, Sotheby’s flagship event, without replacing it. The idea is to create a thematic event that, while enriching the landscape of auctions dedicated to important watches, will keep the prestige of the main event intact.
The aim of the initiative is to highlight key chapters in the long and illustrious history of watchmaking and the French brand, offering a varied selection that includes pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks. Each piece on display represents not only the extraordinary technical innovations introduced by the Master, but also the aesthetic and craftsmanship achievements that have made his name famous over the centuries.
It should be emphasized that Abraham-Louis’s genius was expressed not only through his revolutionary inventions, but also through his ability to win over and retain an elite clientele. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, numerous prestigious patrons entrusted him with the task of creating timepieces to accompany their daily routines, thus contributing to his being known by the nickname “Watchmaker to the Kings.” Among his most distinguished clients were Queen Marie Antoinette, who commissioned several watches from him, and later prominent figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, King George III, the British royal family, and even the Tsar of Russia.
The auction will not only feature creations directly made by the master, but will also offer later pieces that testify to his evolution and enduring impact over time. Prominent among them will be the military watches created for the French armed forces during the 20th century and the models we now call neo-vintage, the result of a modern reinterpretation of Breguet’s original designs. The latter line, created by Daniel Roth on behalf of the Chaumet brothers in the 1980s, demonstrates how the great watchmaker’s legacy continues to inspire new generations, skillfully blending tradition and innovation.
In sum, this collaboration and the resulting auction event not only celebrate Breguet’s rich history and heritage, but also reaffirm the timeless impact of its creations, which still represent an indispensable benchmark in the world of luxury watchmaking.
The Breguet 1827 Perpétuelle à Tact
Although the catalog is not yet final and collectors still have several months to submit their watches for auction, anticipation has already emerged of one of the main lots: a prestigious pocket watch Perpétuelle à Tact, made in 1827 for King George IV, ruler of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Hanover.
The main features of the watch are the date complication, combined with power reserve and Up-and-Down indication, but also the engraved royal family logo.
Conclusion
In the world of watchmaking, Abraham-Louis Breguet continues to represent one of the most influential names, leaving an indelible imprint both technically and stylistically on modern watchmaking. His innovative vision has inspired generations of craftsmen and designers, helping to set the standards that still characterize the industry today.
In November, Sotheby’s will pay tribute to this genius and the prestigious Breguet brand, celebrating his legacy through an extraordinary event. This auction is not only a showcase for the Master’s original creations, but also for contemporary reinterpretations, such as those entrusted to the brilliant hands of Daniel Roth, who have been able to enhance and revive tradition with a modern twist.
We are therefore particularly curious to find out what the top lots of the auction will be, certain that the event will offer unique pieces and priceless testimonies to the genius and elegance that have made Breguet an indispensable benchmark in the world of luxury watchmaking.
Visit our Youtube channel to experience the best of the world of watchmaking firsthand.
For all real-time updates follow us on Instagram.
