Sotheby’s hosts largest Breguet auction in 30 years to celebrate 250th Anniversary

Sotheby’s November 2025 auction marks Breguet’s 250th anniversary, showcasing exceptional timepieces from the legendary watchmaker’s rich history.

This November, Sotheby’s will honour the unique legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747–1823) with an auction marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of Breguet in Paris in 1775.

The event, the largest auction of Breguet timepieces in over thirty years, will showcase exceptional examples of Breguet’s mastery in watchmaking, innovative vision, and groundbreaking contributions to the art of horology.

Breguet perpétuelle à tact watch, with date, power reserve, and up-and-down indication, completed in 1827 for King George IV

Curated in collaboration with Montres Breguet SA and Emmanuel Breguet, Vice President, Head of Patrimony, and descendant of the founder, the auction will highlight key chapters of the brand’s rich history, featuring pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks.

Part of Sotheby’s Luxury Sales in Geneva, the auction will run alongside its bi-annual Important Watches event, bringing together collectors and enthusiasts eager to acquire historically significant pieces.

Abraham-Louis Breguet transformed watchmaking by solving complex horological challenges and pioneering key innovations. His inventions, such as the tourbillon and automatic winding mechanism, continue to shape modern watchmaking.

Known as the “Father of Modern Watchmaking” and as the “Watchmaker of Kings and the King of Watchmakers” Breguet built an unrivalled clientele eager for his mechanical masterpieces, which often took months or even years to complete. Among his most notable patrons was Queen Marie-Antoinette, who commissioned several timepieces from him. The legendary Breguet No. 160, often called the “Mona Lisa of clocks,” bears her name.

Abraham-Louis Breguet portrayed as a young man

Breguet soon became the watchmaker of choice for Europe’s royalty and aristocracy, counting Napoleon Bonaparte, King George III, the British Royal Family, and the Tsar of Russia among his distinguished clients.

Widely regarded as the greatest watchmaker of all time, Abraham-Louis Breguet profoundly influenced the course of horological history and laid the foundations of contemporary watchmaking. The full history of the Breguet House can be read here.

“As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are honoring the creative genius of Abraham-Louis Breguet and his many inventions. These historic timepieces, each holding a unique story, are now ready to continue their journey. This auction is not just a moment of transition but a heartfelt celebration of our shared passion for the art of watchmaking and, more specifically, the art of Breguet — a timeless legacy of innovation and elegance. We are deeply grateful to Sotheby’s for their expertise in organizing this exceptional auction,” said Gregory Kissling, Breguet’s Chief Executive Officer. 

Gregory Kissling, Breguet's CEO

One of the main lots in the sale will be the perpétuelle à tact watch, featuring a date, power reserve, and up-and-down indication, completed in 1827. This remarkable timepiece was made for and owned by King George IV of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as King of Hanover, and it bears the King's monogram on the case back.

More details about the sale will be announced in late spring.

Sotheby's

"A Celebration of Breguet’s 250th Anniversary"

9 November 2025 - Geneva