Abraham-Louis Breguet - Watchmaker genius

A.-L. Breguet is considered the greatest watchmaker genius. His extraordinary creations revolutionized the watchmaking trade at that time. The tourbillon is still used today to increase the accuracy of mechanical watches. The reason for this invention was the fact that during the 18th/19th century the gentlemen wore their pocket watches mainly in a vertical position inside their vest pocket. Due to the force of gravity, there were significant gait deviations. In 1801, Breguet designed a bogie in which he used both the escapement and the oscillation system. The bogie rotates once per minute around its own axis. The rotation mainly compensates for accelerating and braking moments. Even today, Breguet's luxury watches with Tourbillion still achieve excellent results in luxury watch testing.

Valuable materials and perfect design

After several changes of investors/owners, Breguet Watch Manufacture has been a member of the Swiss Swatch Group since 1999. The Group's designers create, among other things, traditional nostalgic series or luxury watches with double tourbillion, similar to Breguet watch models invented during the early decades. One of the best-known series of the present is the Classique collection (e.g. reference 5177BB/12/9V6). The luxury watches of the series'Reine de Naples' are intended for lovers of classic ladies' watches. This collection is intended to recall the chronograph designed by A.-L. Breguet in 1810 for Caroline Murat (Napoleon's sister). With the 'Marine' series, a design was created that combines traditional features with modern, sporty charm. At first glance, these Breguet watches are reminiscent of compact diving watches. On closer inspection, however, those interested will recognize the noble workmanship with materials such as rose or white gold and platinum in 18-carat versions (e.g. reference 5847BB/92/5ZV).

Innovation in the 21st century - Silicon components

The designers of Breguet's luxury watches take a look into the future for granted. The processing of silicon is just one example. The semi-metal, which is also used in the IT sector, is used especially within the company's own manufacture calibers. Silicon has many advantages for luxury watches: It has a density three times lower than brass or steel. In addition, the semi-metal is non-magnetic. The components are corrosion-resistant, abrasion-resistant and therefore very robust. Over the years, Breguet has developed the'Classique' 5177 and 5197 and 5837 series of luxury watches, the world's first chronograph with silicon components. Breguet'XXII 10 Hz' watches have a balance spring, escapement wheel and silicon armature. This Breguet model is a mechanical stopwatch that is the Manufacture's first luxury watch to tick at 72,000 (A/h) vibrations per hour (e.g. reference 3880ST/H2/SX0). This corresponds to a frequency increase of 150 percent, which significantly increases the accuracy.

The signature of Breguet luxury watches

A.-L. Breguet had to protect itself from many imitators right from the start, as Breguet is a very popular watchmaker and has achieved enormous success. Breguet therefore opted for a secret signature as early as 1795. This has been added to the dial and is almost invisible - unless daylight/illumination falls on the display at a flat angle.