Manufacturer: Breguet Year: 1978 Movement No: 2632 Case No: 996 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2632, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 36.5mm Width Signed: Dial and movement signed, case numbered Accessories: Accompanied By Breguet certificate confirming production of the present watch in 1978
Catalogue Essay
During the 1970s, with the advent of the Quartz crisis, Swiss watchmakers began to explore creative ways of creating new wristwatches. Manufacturers pushed the boundaries of design, producing "funky" and unusual pieces that the market had not seen before.
The present watch was conceived during an interesting time in the brand's history. In 1970, the manufacture was acquired by Jacques and Pierre Chaumet, and in 1975, was subsequently handed over to Francois Bodet who was tasked with developing the brand.
The tonneau-shaped case and grené dial is completely different from Breguet's usual designs, and looks completely modern by today's standards. Research shows that approximately 20 were made, making the present example an incredibly rare specimen.
Established in 1775 by Abraham Louis Breguet, widely considered the greatest watchmaker of all time, the storied brand continues to thrive in the modern era, creating exceptional high-end watches as the Swatch Group's premier prestige brand. Some of the most important and lasting inventions in watchmaking are attributed to Abraham Louis Breguet, including the tourbillon, shock resistance and the use of hammers and gongs employed in nearly all minute repeating watches made since.
Eighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.