By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe

The Queen will soon visit the United States!  In this instance, the queen is not a person, but an incomparable timepiece.  Celebrated Swiss watch manufacture Breguet has scheduled an October exhibition centered around its recently debuted Ref. 1160 grande complication pocket watch (the "Marie Antoinette").  The event will be held in Beverly Hills, CA, at Breguet's finely-appointed boutique on 280 North Rodeo Drive.  

A faithful reproduction of the famous complicated pocket watch which Abraham-Louis Breguet was commissioned to build for the ill-fated Queen of France in the late 18th century, the Ref. 1160's functions include a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, power reserve indication, the equation of time, and a thermometer.  At the time the original was commissioned, Breguet was instructed to spare no expense in the creation of a watch which would incorporate every known complication of the day.  Although the queen never lived to accept her watch, other collectors cherished it, including Sir David Salomons who at one time possessed the most extensive collection of Breguet watches in the world.  As is well known, the Marie Antoinette pocket watch was eventually stolen in a famous 1982 heist from the L.A. Mayer Museum of Islamic Art in Jerusalem.  All whereabouts of the Breguet masterpiece were a mystery until the deceased thief's widow blew the whistle in 2007, and the original watch--still in perfect condition--made its rightful return to the public eye once again.  By this time, Montres Breguet was well along in its monumental project to produce an exact duplicate of Breguet's original, a brilliant achievement that was accomplished solely from working off of original drawings and plans by Abraham-Louis and his apprentices.

Although it would eventually be eclipsed in complexity by timepieces produced by Patek Philippe, Leroy & Fils, Audemars Piguet, and others, the Breguet "Marie Antoinette" retains a place of honor among the most complicated mechanical watches of all time.  In terms of historical significance, constructive beauty, and a uniquely romantic story marked by intrigue, it is exceeded by none.  Much like the Hope diamond, the Marie Antoinette pocket watch and its legendary creator Breguet occupy a place of special fascination for watch connoisseurs and history buffs alike.  

"Marie Antoinette-The Art of Time" will be held on Wednesday, October 14th from 6PM to 8PM. The unveiling ceremony will be accompanied by a cocktail reception.  Due to limited boutique space, reservations will be required.  Those wishing to attend should direct RSVP requests to (310) 860-9911.

Source: ViaLuxe