Breguet

L’Abbaye, Switzerland

Since its creation in 1775, Breguet has never ceased to distinguish itself as one of the world’s elite watchmaking brands, thanks to the avant-garde spirit instilled by its founder Abraham-Louis Breguet. An outstanding scientist and technician, he was always on the lookout for innovations that would bring precision and reliability to timepieces. He was also the originator of numerous inventions within horology such as the tourbillon, the first wristwatch, the pare-chute; as well as Breguet’s “apple” hands. As the initiator of the neo-classical style in watchmaking, his creation of a refined and legible design became the trademark of Breguet and has inspired the aesthetic & trends of many timepiece brands since. This innovative spirit has captivated numerous personalities from the political, economic, and financial elite around the world since the brand’s inception.

Since the Swatch Group acquired Breguet in 1999, the desire to perpetuate the House’s rich heritage while continuing to build the watchmaking of tomorrow is more relevant than ever. Breguet is devoting considerable energy to developing the Research & Development (R&D) department, which has already invented the silicon balance spring and the magnetic pivot. It is in the expert hands of its craftsmen, in the manufacture located in heart of the Vallée de Joux, that each watch is created.

Excellence, know-how, and passion: since 1775 the Breguet brand continues to surprise with watch collections that perpetuate its heritage while aiming for the future.

Highlights

1775
Breguet is founded in Paris France
1780
Invention of the first automatic pocket watch
1783
The gong spring was invented which paved the way for minute repeaters. Breguet hands were designed for the first time
1795
Invention of the Breguet spring which is widely used in watchmaking to date
1798
Patent for the constant force escapement
1801
The tourbillon was invented which minimised the effect of gravity to a movement
1810
The first wristwatch was designed and produced
1827
34 years after the death of Queen Marie-Antoinette, the Breguet No.160 watch that was ordered for her by an admirer, was finally ready
1939
Patent of the sidereal timekeeper (February 28)
1972
A new classic line was introduced
1997
Patent for a straight-line perpetual calendar watch movement with instant year-jump
1999
Breguet joins the Swatch Group
2010
Breguet invented the magnetic pivot, a shock protection device using magnetic fields

Did you know?

Spring

The Breguet Spring which was invented in 1795 is still widely used in watchmaking today

2008

The famous “Marie-Antoinette” pocket watch was stolen in 1983 from a museum in Jeruzalem and only recovered in 2007. Meanwhile, in 2004, Swatch Group CEO Hayek challenged the Breguet watchmakers to develop a replica, which was finalised in 2008.

Boutiques

That you can find historical Breguet timepieces in their boutiques in Zurich, Paris and Shanghai?
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