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Breguet celebrates Tourbillon Day
By Rose Adams | 26 June 2018 | Style
The occasion marks 217 years since the invention of the revolutionary tourbillon
* June 26 marks 217 years since Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the ground-breaking invention of the Tourbillon – an unparalleled contribution to the world of watchmaking that still remains an extraordinary innovation today.
Luxury timepiece manufacturer Breguet is today celebrating 217 years since Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the ground-breaking invention of the Tourbillon – an unparalleled contribution to the world of watchmaking that still remains an extraordinary innovation today. The aptly titled ‘Toubillon Day’ is to be celebrated in Breguet boutiques across the world including Zurich, Taipei and New York.
On June 26 1801, the ‘father of modern horology’ Breguet first mastered the tourbillon, a revolutionary mechanism that neutralised the effects of gravity. This iconic invention was a legendary milestone in the watchmaker’s career, cementing his position as one of the most innovative figures in the history of design. The tourbillon has since inspired the aesthetic of watches created by other brands such as Hublot, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Frederique Constant.
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* The iconic invention of the Tourbillon was a legendary milestone in creator Abraham-Louis Breguet’s career, cementing his position as one of the most innovative figures in the history of design
During his lifetime, Abraham-Louis Breguet curated 35 tourbillon watches – with less than 10 known to survive. The Tourbillon precision pocket watch No. 1188 – sold to Don Antonio de Bourbon, Infante of Spain in 1808 – is one of the most fascinating pieces in the brand’s heritage. The House of Breguet encompasses two other historical Tourbillon pocket watches – No. 1176 sold by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1809 and No. 2567 sold in 1812 – along with original records listing each historical creation. Breguet’s famed archives record every watch sold since 1787. A look through will reveal that the watchmaker’s creations have a cult following, having been owned by some of the world’s most prominent individuals including Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte.
The brand recently showcased the Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat 5367, which features an enamel dial, Arabic numerals and a classic aesthetic that symbolises the trademark Breguetstyle – including the iconic blue Breguet hands. The watchboasts a slim case measuring a thickness of only 7.45mm, housing an impressive 3mm movement. A peripheral rotor provides an unobstructed view of the engraving work on the movement, entirely crafted by Breguet’s skilled artisans in Switzerland – a design note seen frequently at this year’s Baselworld watch fair.