Sotheby’s is all set to honor the unparalleled legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet with the largest auction of Breguet timepieces in more than three decades. Taking place this November in Geneva as part of Sotheby’s Luxury Sales, the auction commemorates the 250th anniversary of Breguet’s founding in 1775.
Curated in collaboration with Vice President, Head of Patrimony, Montres Breguet SA and direct descendant of the legendary watchmaker, Emmanuel Breguet, the sale will showcase a remarkable collection of pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks that highlight the brand’s long history of horological excellence.
Known as the Father of Modern Watchmaking, Abraham-Louis Breguet was a pioneer in the field, introducing revolutionary innovations such as the tourbillon and the automatic winding mechanism, developments that remain fundamental to contemporary watchmaking. His craftsmanship attracted a clientele of European royalty, including Queen Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, King George III, and Russian Tsars, earning him the title of ‘Watchmaker of Kings and the King of Watchmakers’.
One of the most anticipated lots in the auction is the perpétuelle à tact watch, completed in 1827, which once belonged to King George IV of the United Kingdom and Hanover. This extraordinary timepiece, featuring a date, power reserve, and up-and-down indication, still bears the King’s monogram on the case back.
Daryn Schnipper, Chairman Emeritus, Sotheby’s Watches, said, “Given our distinguished and unparalleled history of bringing Breguet timepieces to auction, it is our honour and privilege to curate a special sale in celebration of the brand’s 250th anniversary. Abraham-Louis Breguet is perhaps the greatest watchmaker of them all – he profoundly influenced the course of horological history and laid the foundations of contemporary watchmaking. We are delighted to be working with Montres Breguet SA on this sale to ensure this commemorative auction is a fitting tribute to Abraham-Louis Breguet’s extraordinary legacy.”
Other standout pieces include an open-faced Breguet montre à tact with a calendar and moon phases, the inspiration for the reference 3330, as well as a pendulette with an alarm, perpetual calendar, and repeater. A two-tone gold open-faced tourbillon watch is also expected to draw significant attention. Further details on the sale will be released in late spring.
