Breguet aviation watches.
THE TOUR
In just over an hour at the museum, I discovered the detailed history of the
brand, the origins of the different productions and collections, and the philos-
ophy of Nicolas G. Hayek—the man who took over the brand in 1999 under his
Swatch Group umbrella and continued to run Breguet until his death in 2010.
Hayek inaugurated the museum on September 13, 2000, and filled it with
historically significant Breguet timepieces he acquired from auctions with help
from Emmanuel Breguet.
Emmanuel Breguet is a seventh-generation descendant of Abraham-Louis
Breguet, the curator of the museum and the author of the definitive book on
Breguet’s history called “Breguet: Watchmakers Since 1775.”
The first phase of the museum outlines the iconic design details that make
up the unmistakable Breguet aesthetic. These include enamel dials, decora-
tive guilloché, Breguet numerals, blue Breguet hands and more. These designs
came about during a new moment in history when the extravagant and ornate
Baroque movement gave way to the simpler Neoclassicism style.
The oldest identified Breguet timepiece is dated to 1782 and it is equipped
with a perpetual movement, which is considered the ancestor of the modern
automatic movement.
Making my way through the Breguet museum, I saw timepieces that once
belonged to George Watt, (the inventor of the steam engine), and King
George IV. The museum also houses two tourbillons made by Abraham-Louis
Breguet himself (he made thirty-two of them during his lifetime). Remark-
ably, so many modern Breguet watches still draw design inspiration from the
founder’s original creations.
DOCUMENTS
In addition to timepieces, the museum also displays important paperwork.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, every Breguet piece was made by hand, thus,
each was essentially unique. Every timepiece was individually numbered and
accompanied by a description, including the owner’s name. These documents
have been stored in the Breguet archives since 1787, providing exceptional
documentation about a significantly important time in watchmaking history.
More examples of the museum displays.
62 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SUMMER 2019
For instance, there are documents relating to the original patents for the
tourbillon and the constant force escapement. Although Abraham-Louis
Breguet invented so many mechanisms, he only registered two patents
because he believed in the importance of sharing his developments with other
watchmakers to the benefit of the entire horology industry.
The second phase of the museum displays other marvelous pieces like a
traveling clock sold to then-General Napoleon Bonaparte. It’s quickly apparent
that the museum is not concerned with quantity but rather with the quality
and significance of the timepieces it chooses to display.
Other notable exhibits are Abraham-Louis Breguet’s personal items, like his
personal sketchbook. Another part of the museum is dedicated to the iconic
Type 20 French military watches, made by the Breguet company (along with
other watchmakers) according to the specifications laid out by the Ministry
of War.
The museum tour wraps up with a presentation of the company’s oldest guil-
loché machine (dating to 1820), once used to create intricately decorated
dials. Visitors can even try the guilloché machine out.
A lovely parting gift from the museum is the Breguet magazine (which you
can also request online). And if you are interested in learning more about this
storied brand, then I highly recommend Emmanuel Breguet’s book, “Breguet,
Watchmakers Since 1775. The Life and Legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet.”
During my visit, Richard Vassor told me that it is indeed Maison Breg-
uet’s dream that everyone comes and visits the museum. Judging by the
passionate way he expressed this sentiment, I believe him. Everyone who
visits the museum is given a guided tour, customized to the visitor’s partic-
ular interests. I thoroughly enjoyed Richard’s company during the tour and
his willingness to share stories and anecdotes. If you have ever thought about
visiting the Breguet Museum, all I can say is don’t be shy and just go—you will
not regret it.
Laurent Martinez is the proprietor of Laurent Fine Watches
Greenwich, Connecticut. Read more by him at blog.laurentfinewatches.com
or visit his store’s site at www.laurentfinewatches.com
Souscription de montres d’une nouvelle construction par Breguet