Book in English Click here for the French edition of this book

A one-of-a-kind publication, author Emmanuel Breguet describes the life and work of his ancestor, the brilliant watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823), with narrative connecting to today’s company, Montres Breguet, helmed by President & CEO Marc A. Hayek. A dedicated chapter pays homage to the actions undertaken by Swatch Group founder, Nicolas G. Hayek, as the head of the brand from 1999 to 2010.

Originally published in 1997, this book became a classic among horology enthusiasts and quickly went out of print. This updated edition is complete with new images, illustrations, and additional pages on the historic pieces acquired by the Breguet Museum since 2000. 

This unparalleled literary work brings the reader to discover the life of A.-L. Breguet, his humble beginnings in France, his rise to become the watchmaker of kings, followed by the French Revolution and the firm’s aftermath under the Empire through the restoration of the Bourbons. The stories simultaneously provide a portrait of the great inventor, of the artist who creates and imposes a revolutionary style but also of the entrepreneur who distributes his work all throughout Europe, and beyond.