Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823)
Breguet was founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet.
Abraham was a Swiss watchmaker who was born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, but it was in Paris that he spent most of his productive life. No aspect of watchmaking escaped his study, and his inventions were as fundamental to horology as they were varied. His career started with a series of breakthroughs: the development of the successful self-winding perpétuelle watches, the introduction of the gongs for repeating watches and the first shock-protection for balance pivots.
Louis XVI and his Queen, Marie-Antoinette, were early enthusiasts of Breguet’s watchmaking. Each watch from his workshops demonstrated the latest horological improvements in an original movement, mostly fitted with lever or ruby-cylinder escapements that he perfected. Breguet took refuge in Switzerland from the perils of the French Revolution. He returned to Paris overflowing with the ideas that produced the Breguet balance-spring, his first carriage clock (sold to Bonaparte), the “sympathique” clock and its dependent watch, the tact watch, and finally the tourbillon, patented in 1801.
Breguet became the indispensable watchmaker to the scientific, military, financial and diplomatic elites of the age. His timepieces ruled the courts of Europe. For his most celebrated clients, Breguet designed exceptional timepieces. For Caroline Murat, queen of Naples, he conceived in 1810 the world’s very first wristwatch. Honours saluted his enormous contribution to horology. Appointed to the Board of Longitude and as chronometer-maker to the navy, he entered the Academy of Sciences and received the Legion of Honour from the hands of Louis XVIII.
When he died in 1823, all mourned the architect of the greatest revolution in the science and art of time-keeping.
To this day, watches are manufactured that are committed to the famous tradition of Brequet horology.
Among Breguet’s collections, the Classiques are proud standard-bearers for the company’s traditional values and watchmaking art. They beautifully epitomise its two-hundred-year-plus heritage and the standout characteristics that are so original as to have influenced Fine Watchmaking history itself. The Breguet Classique Hora Mundi watch introduced at Baselworld 2011 perfectly exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious collection. Three versions of the dial are available, each representing one part of the world: the Americas, the European and African continents, or Asia and Oceania.
Breguet revolutionized the world time function with a genius mechanism: The Classique “Hora Mundi” is the first mechanical timepiece with an instant-jump time-zone display. It allows one to switch between two time zones with one single pusher.
Connoisseurs will appreciate the creativity of the best masters of the Breguet manufactory, 5719PT Classique, as they literally put a piece of their soul into this classic men’s watch. With incredible aesthetics, Breguet’s Classique 5719PT/AS/9ZV/DD0D showcases popular horological complications such as GMT, small seconds and date in all its glory.
One of the more unique and luxurious timepieces in the world – Breguet Classique Hora Mundi Baguette Diamond High Jewellery Limited Edition 5719PT with only 4 pieces produced every 2 years.
Classique “Hora Mundi” wristwatch in platinum. Self-winding movement. Instant-jump time-zone display with synchronised date, day/night indication and city. Balance spring, lever and escape wheel in silicon. Dial depicting the Asia-Oceania continent set with 154 diamonds totalling approx. 0.399ct, hand-engraved on a rose engine with “wave”motif coated with translucent lacquer. Chapter ring paved with 76 baguette-cut diamonds, approx. 2.01cts, and with 83 baguette-cut sapphires totalling approx. 1.98cts. Bezel, dial flange and lugs set with 130 baguette-cut diamonds totalling approx. 17.32cts. Blued steel Breguet hands with “apple” tip. Roman numerals. Sapphire caseback. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m). Diameter 46mm.
Available with America dial ref. 5719PT/US/9ZV DD0D, or Europe-Africa dial, ref. 5719PT/EU/9ZV DD0D.
