“Each voyage became a dangerous journey and having the Marine chronometer on board was the key instrument in calculating position at sea” – Emmanuel Breguet, Vice President and Head of Patrimony Marine 5517 Marine Alarme Musicale 5547 Marine Chronographe 5527 Marine Tourbillon Équation Marchante 5887
PROMOTION The Tide of Time Breguet’s new Marine Collection celebrates the maison’s more than 200 years of masterful nautical horology B By the time King Louis XVIII appointed Abraham-Louis Breguet the official watchmaker to the French Royal Navy in 1815, the Neuchâtel-born horologist had long since proven himself one of the finest, most sought-after watchmakers in history; with a client list ranging from Marie Antoinette to the Queen of Naples, for whom he designed the world’s very first wristwatch. Among the emblematic personalities who worked closely with Abraham-Louis Breguet, one was Governor Thomas Brisbane, who ordered a regulator from him in 1818. This historic piece, still in working condition, can be seen today in the Sydney Parramatta Observatory. One of many honours bestowed upon the inventor of the tourbillon, Breguet’s role within the Royal Navy was not without gravitas. The precision of the marine chronometer was crucial for fleets in the calculation of their position at sea. At the time of his death in 1823, the maison had created nearly 80 marine timepieces, two of which accompanied naval officers Louis de Freycinet and Hyacinthe de Bougainville on their legendary voyages around the world. Nearly two centuries on, Breguet’s passion and mastery of marine horology today, reflects the intrepid drive for perfection of its founder. Each watch a tour de force with sturdy construction, a reinforced case and protected crown, and a range presenting astounding diversity of design. From the 18ct gold, with its handengraved gold dial and sapphire caseback, to the High Jewellery wristwatch featuring an eye-catching mother-of-pearl dial set with 85 hand-cut gems. Given the innovation in both design and use of material, the collection represents a new chapter for marine watches at Breguet – and one of which Abraham-Louis would approve. Discover more about the fascinating history of Breguet and its more contemporary adventures in watchmaking in Le Quai de l’Horologe magazine. Scan the QR code to subscribe:
