Manufacture
AnthonyTsai's post announces Breguet's global exhibit, "Breguet, the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon," celebrating Abraham-Louis Breguet's groundbreaking invention. This article delves into the historical significance and technical complexity of the tourbillon, a complication designed to counteract gravity's effects on watch accuracy. It underscores Breguet's enduring legacy as a pioneer in horological innovation.
(Geneva, Switzerland. January 23, 2013 - AND BREGUET INVENTED THE TOURBILLON... From January 21st to February 24th 2013, Breguet will be hosting an exhibit at Geneva’s Cité du Temps to celebrate one of the most striking inventions in watchmaking history: the tourbillon. Through a didactic and interactive exhibition entitled “Breguet, the innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon”, the House pays tribute to the discovery that undoubtedly symbolizes its founder’s genius. An event will be held on Wednesday January 23rd 2013, in the presence of Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO, Montres Breguet. After Geneva, this exhibition will tour other European cities, then traveling across Asia, the Middle East and the United States.
Breguet Launches Global Exhibit: “Breguet, the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon”
On June 26th 1801 (or rather on 7 Messidor Year 9, since the Republic calendar was still in force at the time) the French Minister of the Interior awarded Abraham-Louis Breguet a patent for the invention of the tourbillon. This new type of regulator was developed in response to a longstanding problem: the detrimental effects with which gravity effects on the regularity of a movement by generating variations in rate. Breguet understood that in order to reduce such errors, he would need to install the entire escapement within a mobile carriage that would perform a complete rotation, generally in one, four or six minutes. The regular repetition of the variations would allow them to compensate for each other.
This supremely ingenious invention turned out to be exceedingly difficult to produce, and of all Breguet’s brilliant ideas, this was undoubtedly the toughest to implement. One of the reasons behind this daunting task relates to the weight of the tourbillon, which must be sufficiently light at no more than one gram, and yet also robust, so as to avoid inducing rating errors rather than eliminating them. This inherent difficulty was compounded by that of finishing the over 70 tiny parts that must fit and mesh together with absolute precision. Making a tourbillon was not within reach of all watchmakers, and only the finest proved capable of producing one after the 10-year patent had expired.
Building on its unique heritage, the House of Breguet constantly develops new tourbillons that now form an extensive Grandes Complications collection. The exhibition “Breguet the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon” is an invitation to discover these contemporary masterpieces, while celebrating the tourbillons of the past. Visitors are immersed into a dedicated area where the secrets of this prodigious invention are revealed to them.
About Breguet
The world’s number one luxury watchmaker
Since it was acquired by the Swatch Group in 1999, Montres Breguet has rapidly moved into the world number one position in luxury watchmaking. Its new products, the true measure of brand dynamism, and its capacity for innovation continue to be a priority. To such an extent that the creativity and ingenuity of Breguet have not run out of steam with the passage of time, but rather have grown, since the number of patents granted under the leadership of Nicolas G. Hayek exceeds the number of inventions recorded by its founder, A.-L. Breguet (1747–1823). Today the brand is continuing to reinforce its dominant role in the development of watchmaking mechanics by devoting very significant investments to research and innovation, as well as to the actual Breguet manufacturing site, which has been enlarged and expanded with new facilities and infrastructure as well as sophisticated machinery. Emphasis has also been placed on recruiting highly qualified watchmakers. A team is ceaselessly working on the design and production of new models that interpret the brand’s esthetic values in a novel manner, and on completely original mechanisms that will drive the timepieces of tomorrow. At the heart of the brand’s strategy lies the perfecting, through synergies with the Swatch Group, of innovative manufacturing procedures. This demonstrates its historical capacity for constantly reinventing and revolutionizing watchmaking, in order to satisfy the requirements of its extremely sophisticated clientele. It was with this objective in mind that a prestige jewelry line was launched in 2002, with resounding success.
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Press Release
The Breguet Classique Ref. 1801 is part of the brand's collection celebrating its historical legacy, drawing inspiration from early Breguet designs. This reference is notable for its traditional aesthetic, which emphasizes legibility and classical proportions, aligning with the brand's heritage of horological innovation and design principles. It represents a commitment to the foundational elements of fine watchmaking, presented in a contemporary yet historically resonant package.
This timepiece features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 36 mm in diameter, housing the manual-wind Caliber 558T. The movement provides a power reserve of 50 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the silver dial, which typically features Breguet numerals and hands, enhancing its classic appeal. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for immersion.
The Ref. 1801 appeals to collectors who appreciate Breguet's historical contributions to watchmaking and seek a piece that embodies those traditions. Its design, with a focus on understated elegance and mechanical integrity, positions it as a significant offering within the Classique line. The reference is often associated with special anniversary collections, reflecting its role in commemorating key milestones for the brand.
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