Breguet, Watchmakers Since 1775: The Life and Legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet

by Emmanuel Breguet, Barbara Mellor (Translator)

'Founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the firm of Breguet has occupied a unique position in the field of prestige watchmaking. Considered the greatest watchmaker of all time, Abraham-Louis Breguet was the father of modern watchmaking, an innovator in both the technical and aesthetic fields. A work of reference containing a wealth of previously unpublished information, this is also a sumptuous art book, distinguished by the elegance of its design and the excellence of its illustrations. In addition, the author skillfully combines the histories of art, technical developments, politics and economics to create an appealing and accessible narrative.'

384 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Olafs Bērziņš · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not call this the best biography of any sorts. It was not written by a historian rather by a marketing manager at Breguet SA. Also the author is a seventh-generation descendant of Abraham-Louis Breguet. But. Knowing all that. Is this book any good and worth the money? I would say yes. Although it is biased but the history and facts seem solid, the book provides a descent understanding of the "greatest watchmaker in history", about his business, clients and difficulties during various domestic and foreign crisis. Also numerous pictures of various vintage and contemporary timepieces and other additional inventions and papers produced by Breguet is welcome and great. But is it better than the more modest autobiography of George Daniels? No. Also I can't seem to understand why Mr. Emmanuel Breguet said that "the only true innovation in the twentieth-century watchmaking" was the Swatch watch, when he perfectly knew that George Daniels created the co-axial escapement in the same century. And that the co-axial escapement was the first significant invention made since Breguet was alive. There are not many books on watchmaking, and even less on watchmakers and their business and lives. This book is a good biography of both the man - Abraham-Louis Breguet and of the business - Breguet. If interested then I recommend.