Sotheby’s has announced an unprecedented auction dedicated to Breguet watches, marking the largest sale of the brand’s timepieces in three decades. Set for November, the event is already generating excitement among collectors, drawn to Breguet’s rich horological heritage and enduring influence.
A Resurgence of Interest in Breguet
The auction comes amid renewed appreciation for Breguet among discerning collectors. Founded in Paris 250 years ago by Abraham-Louis Breguet—the inventor of the tourbillon and automatic winding—the maison remains a cornerstone of watchmaking innovation. Its legacy continues to inspire contemporary masters like F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour, with traces of Breguet’s craftsmanship evident in modern icons such as Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance.
Royal Provenance and Historic Highlights
Curated in collaboration with Breguet and Emmanuel Breguet, the brand’s vice president and a direct descendant of its founder, the auction promises an extraordinary lineup. While full details will be revealed later this spring, Sotheby’s has teased one standout piece: the 1827 Perpétuelle à Tact watch, originally crafted for King George IV.
Breguet’s historical ties to European royalty—including commissions for Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, and King George III—suggest the sale will feature other exceptional pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks.
Anticipated Highlights
Among the expected offerings is an open-faced montre à tact with calendar and moonphase complications, which inspired the modern Ref. 3330. A pendulette with alarm, perpetual calendar, and repeater, along with a two-color gold tourbillon watch, are also rumored to be part of the sale, though images have yet to be released.
With bidding set to open in November, collectors and horology enthusiasts are advised to prepare for a landmark event in watch auction history.
