The Breguet No. 160 Grand Complication, often referred to as the Marie-Antoinette Watch, is a masterpiece of horological artistry and one of the most storied timepieces in history. Commissioned in 1783, this extraordinary pocket watch was designed to showcase the finest craftsmanship and technical innovations of its time, cementing Abraham-Louis Breguet’s reputation as one of the greatest watchmakers in history.
The watch’s creation was reportedly commissioned by an admirer of Marie-Antoinette, the Queen of France, as a tribute to her elegance and love for luxury. The instructions were clear: the watch was to include every known complication and use the most precious materials available, with no regard for cost or time. Breguet, already renowned for his innovative designs, accepted the challenge, and the result was a watch unlike any other.
The Breguet No. 160 featured an array of advanced complications, many of which were groundbreaking at the time. These included a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, thermometer, power reserve indicator, and a chronograph. Its movement was a marvel of engineering, with intricate mechanisms crafted to ensure exceptional accuracy and functionality. Encased in gold, the watch also showcased exquisite detailing and artistic flourishes that reflected the opulence of the era.
The creation of the watch spanned several decades, as Breguet and his successors worked tirelessly to perfect it. Unfortunately, neither Marie-Antoinette nor Breguet lived to see its completion. The watch was finished in 1827, four years after Breguet’s death and more than 30 years after Marie-Antoinette’s execution during the French Revolution.
The Marie-Antoinette Watch remained a symbol of luxury and innovation, but its history took a dramatic turn when it was stolen from a museum in Jerusalem in 1983. After decades of mystery, it was recovered in 2007, returning to its rightful place as one of the most important timepieces ever created.
Today, the Breguet No. 160 Grand Complication is celebrated not only for its technical brilliance but also for its captivating story. It represents the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry, a testament to Breguet’s genius, and an enduring symbol of luxury and timeless elegance. For horology enthusiasts, it remains an unparalleled icon in the world of fine timepieces.