Breguet

In 1795, Abraham-Louis Breguet added a specially shaped spring to the balance of his watch movements. It was the birth of the Breguet hairspring, which is still used to this day not only by Breguet but by numerous other well-known brands. The introduction of this small but ingenious component led to vast improvements in accuracy. Various other balance spring refinements have appeared over the years, most notably by Édouard Phillips and Gustav Gerstenberger, but in the long term the Breguet spiral has remained the most enduring of them all.

Then in 1801, Breguet received a patent for one of his most famous inventions – the tourbillon. This is a rotating cage which counteracts the effects of gravity on watch mechanism, delivering optimum accuracy. It's still one of the most intricate complications ever devised, and Breguet tourbillon watches are stunning examples of this watchmaker's genius.

Breguet has always enjoyed a select customer base, including no small number of major historical figures. In the 1790s, the company even made a special pocket watch for Marie Antoinette. Unfortunately, the French revolution intervened before she could receive it, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the piece, which is arguably the most complicated watch ever created.

Napoléon Bonaparte was another of the company's illustrious customers. In 1798 the French general bought three pocket watches and a table clock. In 1812 his cousin Caroline Murat, the Queen of Naples, also ordered a watch from Breguet which she wanted fitted into a bracelet – and with that, one of the world's first wristwatches was invented.

But the fame of the brand spread far beyond the royal court, as the name Breguet became not only a synonym for exquisite timepieces but also a symbol of wealth, refinement and luxury. You see this in countless literary classics of the time. Stendhal, Balzac and Dumas were just a few of the French writers to name-drop Breguet in their works.

The British statesman Sir Winston Churchill was also a loyal Breguet customer, as was the renowned classical pianist Arthur Rubinstein, who regularly visited the Breguet boutique during his trips to Paris.

Breguet has a special status in the world of fine watches. Each of its models draws deeply on its centuries of experience and savoir faire.

The Breguet Classique collection, for example, takes inspiration from the creations of the company's founder Abraham-Louis. The wristwatches in this collection epitomise timeless style and good taste. Classic Breguet trademarks such as the engraved dial are gracefully woven throughout the Classique range.

The Héritage collection goes one step further, celebrating not only Abraham-Louis Breguet's legacy but also his ingenuity. In this series, there are enough sophisticated complications and cutting edge innovations to delight the most technically minded watch enthusiast.

In particular, the Breguet Héritage collection looks back to the very beginning of the company's history in the late 18th century. It features four watch models that bring a touch of nostalgia to 21st century wardrobes. To this end, they utilise a tonneau (curved rectangle) shape as well as engraved dials and Roman numerals.

The Breguet Marine collection, on the other hand, is inspired by all things nautical. These are sporty leisure watches that show the highest level of quality and finesse. Needless to say, all of these series feature Breguet watches for ladies that make just as powerful a statement of effortless elegance.

More models from Breguet

• Breguet Classique Complications
• Breguet Reine de Naples
• Breguet Type XXI
• Breguet Type XXII
• Breguet Tradition