Sotheby's to Host Landmark Breguet Auction for 250th Anniversary
ThE Largest Auction Dedicated to the Brand in Over 30 Years
PRESS RELEASE | 420 WORDS | 3 MIN READ
This November, Sotheby's Geneva will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Breguet, the legendary watchmaker, with a dedicated auction of Breguet timepieces – the largest such event in over 30 years. This landmark sale promises to showcase the genius of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the "Father of Modern Watchmaking," and his enduring influence on horology.
Image Courtesy: Sotheby’s
A Tribute to a Legacy
The auction, held as part of Sotheby's Luxury Sales alongside its flagship Important Watches auction, is curated in collaboration with Montres Breguet SA and Emmanuel Breguet, Vice President, Head of Patrimony, and a descendant of the founder. It will feature a diverse selection of pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks, highlighting key moments in the brand's illustrious history.
Abraham-Louis Breguet revolutionized watchmaking, tackling long-standing horological challenges and introducing innovations like the tourbillon and the automatic winding mechanism, which continue to shape contemporary watchmaking. His clientele included royalty and elite figures across Europe, from Queen Marie-Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte to King George III and the Russian Tsar, all seeking his exceptional creations.
Key Highlights and Expert Commentary
Among the sale's highlights is the 1827 perpétuelle à tact watch, complete with date, power reserve, and up-and-down indication. This remarkable timepiece was commissioned by and owned by King George IV of the United Kingdom and Hanover, and bears his monogram on the case back. Other notable pieces include an open-faced montre à tact with calendar and moon phases (which inspired the reference 3330), an important pendulette with alarm, perpetual calendar, and repeater, and a two-color gold open-faced tourbillon watch.
Image Courtesy: Breguet - Breguet 1827 Perpétuelle à Tact watch made for King George IV
"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," said Daryn Schnipper, Chairman Emeritus, Sotheby’s Watches. "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.”
Gregory Kissling, Breguet’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are honoring the creative genius of Abraham-Louis Breguet and his many inventions. These historic timepieces, each holding a unique story, are now ready to continue their journey. This auction is not just a moment of transition but a heartfelt celebration of our shared passion for the art of watchmaking and, more specifically, the art of Breguet — a timeless legacy of innovation and elegance. We are deeply grateful to Sotheby’s for their expertise in organizing this exceptional auction.”
For those interested in consigning Breguet timepieces for this historic auction, Sotheby's has provided a dedicated webpage here.
For more information, please visit sothebys.com