Breguet - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Abraham-Louis Breguet is undeniably one of the most emblematic figures in world watchmaking. Born in 1747, Breguet founded his own watchmaking maison in 1775 in Paris, and with it came a revolution in the world of fine watchmaking. The brand is particularly known for its invention of the tourbillon, patented in 1801, a complication which corrects time errors due to gravity. This is just one of the many patents that Breguet holds, including the Breguet spring, the Breguet pin, and many other innovations that are an integral part of fine watchmaking today.

Even if the Breguet brand carries its legacy to the present day, it is particularly between 1950 and today that Breguet has consolidated its image of luxury and sophistication, while incorporating cutting-edge technological advances.

What are the distinctive signs of Breguet watches?

The hallmarks of Breguet are not only the horological complications inherent in each watch, but also the design and craftsmanship features that make a Breguet watch instantly recognizable. The brand's emblematic signatures are as follows:

Guilloché dials

One of the most iconic features of Breguet watches is the hand-guilloché dial. Guilloché is a form of decorative art that uses engravings to create intricate patterns on the dial. This not only gives visual depth, but also adds a multitude of reflections and sparkles enhanced by light.

Housing splines

The case sides of Breguet watches are often fluted, which gives a distinctive touch to the profile of the watch. This also adds a tactile feel to the watch, blending aesthetics and ergonomics.

Breguet hands

The style of hands in the shape of hollowed-out apples, commonly known as “Breguet Hands”, is another distinctive sign of the brand. Their design is both elegant and functional, offering optimal readability while maintaining a harmonious aesthetic. These hands have made so much history that many other brands use them - without naming it - on their own models.

Breguet numerals

Designed by Abraham-Louis Breguet himself, the Breguet numerals are another stylish element that adds a touch of elegance to the watch. These numerals, with their distinctive curves and details, are often used in the brand's high-end watches.

Welded lugs

Breguet watches generally feature welded lugs, an artisanal technique that involves attaching the lugs directly to the watch case. Not only does this add a touch of elegance, but it also ensures greater durability and structural integrity to the watch.

Each of these elements is a chapter in Breguet's design language, and their collective presence in a watch gives a feeling of aesthetic coherence and authenticity. It is these meticulous details that make each Breguet watch a work of art in itself, and which contribute to its legendary status in the history of watchmaking.

Breguet's attention to minute details is one of the reasons why the brand is held in such high esteem among connoisseurs and collectors. It is these distinctive signs that underline its commitment to craftsmanship, tradition and watchmaking innovation.

What are Breguet’s emblematic models?

Breguet is more than just a watch brand. It is a legacy, a testament to the genius and vision of Abraham-Louis Breguet. The brand stands out for its effortless fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies, placing it in a league of its own in the watchmaking landscape with singular models:

Breguet Classic

It is the embodiment of elegance and refinement, with its gold or platinum case, its discreet water resistance suitable for daily use, its leather strap, a manufacture caliber with automatic or manual winding, a guilloché dial with the hand and various complications such as the Tourbillon or the Moon Phase.

Breguet Type XX - XXI - XXII

Inspired by watches originally designed for the French Air Force, this series features a sturdy case, adequate water resistance, leather or steel strap, self-winding chronograph movement, clear dial with Arabic numerals, and a rotating bezel. The Breguet watches from the Type XX collection recall that Louis-Charles Breguet, great-great-grandson of Abraham-Louis Breguet, was the founder of Louis-Breguet Aviation in 1911.

Breguet Marine

This is the Breguet brand sports watch. The case is often made of gold or titanium, offering water resistance to 100 meters (10 ATM), accompanied by a rubber or steel bracelet, a self-winding manufacture movement, and a blue dial with numerals. very specific Roman indexes and different from the Breguet indexes.

Breguet Queen of Naples

This collection is dedicated to women and is inspired by an original watch that Breguet created for Joséphine de Beauharnais - 1st wife of Emperor Napoleon - and Queen of Naples. These watches have a very distinctive oval case, often encrusted with precious stones, and highly sophisticated Breguet movements.

Breguet Heritage

The Héritage collection is a magnificent reinterpretation of classic tonneau-case watches. The elegantly curved case is usually made of gold or platinum. The waterproofing is discreet but sufficient for daily use. The strap is often made of exotic leather, and the movement is, of course, mechanical, often with complications such as a perpetual calendar or tourbillon. The guilloché dial is another classic Breguet touch.

Breguet Tradition

This collection is a true ode to the watchmaking craftsmanship of the past while adding a touch of modernity. The case is generally gold or platinum with water resistance suitable for daily use. The strap is leather, and the movement is mechanical, exposed through an open dial that allows you to see the gears and springs in action. The Tradition is a perfect example of how Breguet balances respect for traditional craftsmanship with innovative design.

Each of these models illustrates how Breguet has remained true to its heritage while embracing innovation. The Breguet Heritage and Tradition are collections that speak to connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, offering a fascinating look at how fine watchmaking can respect its past while looking resolutely toward the future.

How much does a Breguet watch cost?

The prices of new Breguet watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. For example, a Breguet Type XX Flyback Chronograph reference 2067 is sold for $19,100, while a Breguet Marine Hora Mundi reference 5557 in white gold costs $70,400.

The second-hand or vintage market is also an opportunity to look at to obtain a cheaper Breguet. Be careful, buying a vintage Breguet presents some risks that must be carefully understood, starting by ensuring that the seller is known and recognized for selling this type of watch.

Breguet: The guardian of the temple of watchmaking tradition

It is clear that Breguet is not just a company that makes timepieces; it is a house that creates works of watchmaking art. The care given to every detail, the precision of each movement, and the beauty of each design make each Breguet watch an object of desire for watch lovers. Breguet is today owned by the Swatch Group, like other prestigious brands like Blancpain or Jaquet Droz, and produces around 21,000 watches per year, all models combined.

For more information on Breguet watches, the official website is an excellent resource. And to get a variety of views and opinions, Dialicious owners' reviews are invaluable. Selecting a Breguet watch is a thoughtful decision, and these resources can help you make the choice that's best for you.

(Updated September 2023)