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.
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.
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.
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.
