Breguet n°3778 ©Les Arts Décoratifs - Jean Tholance

Breguet’s illustrious history – on show to the world

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With a rich history full of notable patrons and incredible timepieces, Breguet is never short of occasions where historical pieces are showcased in prestigious Museums across the globe, for the watch-loving public to view and admire. A rare treat considering the majority of early timekeeping creations still remain in the hands of private collectors.

ABU DHABI – Louvre Abu Dhabi Exhibition

10,000 YEARS OF LUXURY – Running until Tuesday 18th February 2020

Presenting multiple narratives of luxury across the ages, this exhibition celebrates how different cultures and time periods define luxury; including the opulence and finery of the 18th Century court of Versailles. As a most esteemed watchmaker at this time, Abraham-Louis Breguet was recognised and reputed for his craft in the eyes of European courts. 10,000 Years of Luxury explores what elevates an object into the realm of being precious and luxurious, whether this may be time, craftsmanship or rarity and these categories are all easily achieved by the Breguet Travel Clock on show.

Breguet n°3778 ©Les Arts Décoratifs - Jean Tholance
Breguet n°3778 ©Les Arts Décoratifs – Jean Tholance

Usually housed at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) collection in Paris, Travel Clock no. 3778 was delivered to Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, wife of Anatole Demidoff, in 1842, and so fulfils the definition of precious luxury as coined by this exhibition.

More about the exhibition: www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en

 

LONDON – UK – Queen’s Gallery Exhibition

GEORGE IV: ART & SPECTACLE – Running until Sunday 3rd May 2020

Widely known as a significant Breguet collector, George IV in his time as ruler of England compiled an unrivalled collection of art, much of which remains in the Royal Collection today. Two Breguet creations are on display within this exhibition: Double Pendulum Clock No. 3671 sold to King George IV by Breguet in 1825 and a Sympathique Clock, now owned by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II and used by H.R.H. Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

Breguet No. 666-721 ©Royal Collection
Breguet No. 666-721 ©Royal Collectio

The Synchronising (or Sympathique) clock was designed to hold the watch which, when placed in a recess, was automatically adjusted and reset. The term “sympathique” was chosen by Breguet to express the notion of harmony and “sympathy” between the two objects. Although the Sympathique clock enhanced Breguet’s fame, it remained very complex to make. All five examples, each different, that Abraham-Louis Breguet sold before his death in 1823, were bought by kings or princes.

More about the exhibition: https://www.rct.uk/

About Breguet

The House of Breguet, founded in 1775, is the epitome of excellence in watchmaking and forms part of the European cultural heritage. Its creations have been owned by some of the greatest figures in history. The famous Breguet archives house the details of every watch sold since the end of the eighteenth century. Today, the artisans at the House of Breguet continue to make unique works of art that bear witness to the brand’s rich history. www.breguet.com

@montresbreguet

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