The Art of Breguet

Over the past five hundred years, only a few individuals have made significant contributions to the progress of horology as a separate art form. Among these masters is Abraham Louis Breguet (1747–1823), a renowned figure in the age of mechanics. Breguet's original and brilliant contributions elevated the watchmaker’s art to new levels of visual and technical excellence, transforming the whole concept of horology into an art form that gained admiration across Europe. His relentless pursuit of perfection led to the invention of mechanical principles still used in watch design today.

Breguet's influence on the appearance and style of watches was profound, as he maintained a slim and elegant aesthetic in his most complicated examples, revolutionizing watchmaking in the process. His exceptional abilities in all aspects of horology earned him a reputation as a genius, the patronage of kings, and the respect of the horological world.

"The Art of Breguet" by the late George Daniels is a complete, illustrated history of Abraham Louis Breguet's work, providing a detailed exploration of his horological philosophy that clarifies many misunderstood aspects of his work. Over one hundred line drawings illustrate the technical development of Breguet's products, accompanied by analyses of the mechanisms and their intended purposes.

The book also delves into the history of both the internal and external appearance of Breguet's wide range of products, arranged chronologically to illustrate the evolving patterns of their appearance. Each item is described in terms of its external characteristics, mechanism, period of manufacture, and, where available, sale date.

This long-awaited reprinted edition, with a foreword by Emmanuel Breguet, is a valuable resource for both students and collectors of Breguet's work. It offers a comprehensive look at the groundbreaking work of Abraham Louis Breguet, shedding light on the complexity and beauty of his art.

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