Breguet and Breguet-influenced pocket watches and wrist watches

Pocket watches were the primary timekeeping device for centuries, with origins dating back to the 16th century. In the early days, pocket watches were large and cumbersome, and only the wealthy elite could afford them. However, over time, advances in technology made them smaller and more accessible to the masses.

The earliest pocket watches were made with a simple mechanism consisting of a mainspring, an escapement, and a balance wheel. The mainspring provided power to the watch, while the escapement regulated the movement of the watch hands, and the balance wheel ensured accuracy. These watches were usually worn around the more... neck or carried in a pocket, and they were often adorned with elaborate designs and engravings.

In the 18th century, the pocket watch became more popular, and many watchmakers began to experiment with new designs and mechanisms. One of the most significant developments was the introduction of the lever escapement, which greatly improved the accuracy of the watch. Another important innovation was the use of jewels to reduce friction in the movement, leading to increased durability and reliability.

In the 19th century, pocket watches became smaller and more affordable, and they became an essential accessory for the middle class. During this time, watchmakers also began to experiment with new materials, such as gold and silver, and they created watches with intricate designs and patterns. Many of these watches were also equipped with additional features, such as a calendar, a stopwatch, or a second hand.

The 20th century brought about even more significant changes to the pocket watch. The introduction of quartz technology in the 1970s led to the development of the quartz pocket watch, which used an electronic oscillator instead of a mechanical mechanism. This innovation greatly improved accuracy, and it made pocket watches even more accessible to the masses.

Nowadays pocket watches are mostly used as a fashion accessory or a collector's item. They are often made with intricate designs and high-quality materials, and they are prized for their elegance and beauty. However, with the rise of smartphones and digital watches, the practicality of the pocket watch has diminished. Despite this, the pocket watch remains an iconic symbol of a bygone era, and it continues to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. less...

Breguet is a Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer, founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet in Paris in 1775.

Abraham-Louis Breguet was born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in 1747. He studied watchmaking for ten years under Ferdinand Berthoud and Jean-Antoine Lépine before setting up his own watchmaking business in Paris in 1775. Breguet quickly became one of the most respected watchmakers in Europe, and his watches were worn by royalty, celebrities, and other members of the elite.

Breguet was a prolific inventor, and he patented numerous watchmaking innovations during his lifetime. Some of his most notable inventions include:

•     more... ;The tourbillon (1801): A rotating cage that helps to counteract the effects of gravity on the accuracy of a watch.

•    The pare-chute (1790): A shock protection system for watches.

•    The Breguet overcoil (1795): A type of hairspring that is more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

•    The Breguet hands (1783): A distinctive style of hands that are still used in Breguet watches today.

Breguet also produced a wide variety of other watches, including pocket watches, wristwatches, and carriage clocks. His watches were known for their exquisite craftsmanship and their high level of accuracy.

Breguet died in Paris in 1823.

The Breguet company continued to operate after his death, and is one of the oldest surviving watchmaking brands. Its headquarters are in L'Abbaye, Switzerland. Since 1999, Breguet has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group. less...