Breguet

History and Innovation
132707

Buy a pre-owned Breguet watch at The Swiss Collector

Founded in Paris in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the Breguet manufacture is one of the key references in Swiss fine watchmaking. Based in the Vallée de Joux since the 19th century, it has been part of the Swatch Group since 1999. Breguet developed several inventions that shaped modern watchmaking : the tourbillon (1801), the Breguet overcoil, the pare-chute anti-shock device and the first known wristwatch (for the Queen of Naples, 1812). The manufacture produces all its calibres entirely in-house, with extensive use of silicon for movement components since the 2000s. The Classique, Marine, Type XX/XXI/XXII, Tradition and Reine de Naples collections cover a wide price range. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Breguet watches is certified by our experts and updated regularly.

 

The History of Breguet : 250 Years of Watchmaking Innovation

The Paris Foundations (1775–1815)

Abraham-Louis Breguet opened his workshop in Paris in 1775. Within a few years, he became the go-to watchmaker for European nobility : his clients included Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte and the British royal family. In 1801, he patented the tourbillon, a mechanism compensating for the effects of gravity on pocket watch accuracy. In 1812, he delivered to the Queen of Naples what is considered the first wristwatch in history. These technical achievements established the house's reputation.

Consolidating the Craft (1815–1999)

After Abraham-Louis Breguet's death in 1823, the manufacture passed through different hands while preserving its artisanal methods. It progressively developed its dress collections (Classique) and increasingly elaborate complications : minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, skeletonised movements. In the 1950s, Breguet supplied chronographs to the French naval aviation arm (the first Type XX watches) giving rise to the pilot's watch line that remains in the catalogue today.

The Swatch Group Era (1999–Today)

In 1999, Breguet joined the Swatch Group, which provided the resources to modernise production while preserving its artisanal techniques. The manufacture adopted silicon for its escapement components from the 2000s onwards, improving resistance to magnetic fields and reducing lubrication requirements. In 2025, Breguet celebrated its 250th anniversary with several special editions, including the Classique Souscription (CHF 45,000) and the Expérimentale No. 1, limited to 75 pieces at CHF 320,000.

 

BREGUET
BREGUET CLASSIQUE DAME
9 999.00 CHF
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BREGUET CLASSIQUE DAME
BREGUET
BREGUET MARINE CHRONOGRAPH
9 900.00 CHF
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BREGUET MARINE CHRONOGRAPH
BREGUET
BREGUET MARINE ONDULANTE RING IN GREY GOLD
1 190.00 CHF
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BREGUET MARINE ONDULANTE RING IN GREY GOLD
  • BREGUET
    BREGUET CLASSIQUE DAME
    9 999.00 CHF
    Add to cart
    BREGUET CLASSIQUE DAME
  • BREGUET
    BREGUET MARINE CHRONOGRAPH
    9 900.00 CHF
    Add to cart
    BREGUET MARINE CHRONOGRAPH
  • BREGUET
    BREGUET MARINE ONDULANTE RING IN GREY GOLD
    1 190.00 CHF
    Add to cart
    BREGUET MARINE ONDULANTE RING IN GREY GOLD

Collections & Models

References & Secondary Market Prices

Classique 5177 Steel / White Gold 38mm (three-hands)

CHF 8,000 – CHF 14,000

Classique 5907 White / Rose Gold 38mm

CHF 12,000 – CHF 20,000

Marine 5517 Titanium 40mm (three-hands)

CHF 9,000 – CHF 13,000

Marine 5527 Titanium / Gold (chronograph)

CHF 18,000 – CHF 28,000

Type XXI 3817 Steel / Titanium 42mm (flyback)

CHF 8,000 – CHF 13,000

Type XX 2067 Steel 42mm (chronograph, manufacture calibre)

CHF 11,000 – CHF 15,000

Values vary depending on condition, presence of box and papers, and vintage. Contact our TSC experts for a precise valuation.

 

Breguet vs Patek Philippe vs Jaeger-LeCoultre

Breguet

The manufacture with the most documented catalogue of horological inventions in history. Strong emphasis on guilloché, mechanical complications and silicon manufacture calibres. Accessible entry-level price points (Type XX, Marine in titanium) that rise sharply on Classique and complication references. Solid secondary market performance on current models.

Patek Philippe

Generally higher secondary market value, particularly on the Nautilus, Aquanaut and complications. The reference manufacture for collectors, with resale prices often close to (or above) retail on flagship models.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

The manufacture with the largest number of in-house calibres. Comparable price positioning to Breguet. Strong credentials in dress watches (Master, Reverso) and complications. A reasonable secondary market, though less notable than Patek.

Our TSC view

For a manufacture watch with a strong historical foundation and distinctive artisanal techniques (guilloché, silicon, pomme hands), Breguet is a coherent choice. The Classique for dress watchmaking, the Type XX for a pilot chronograph, the Marine for elegant sport.

 

Breguet and Its Historical Clients

Breguet's communication rests on its history rather than contemporary ambassadors :

  • Abraham-Louis Breguet : founder and inventor whose name remains attached to several innovations still in use today (tourbillon, Breguet overcoil, pare-chute)

  • Marie-Antoinette : commissioned the "Marie-Antoinette" watch (No. 160), one of the most complex timepieces in horological history, completed 34 years after her death

  • Napoleon Bonaparte : a regular client, owner of several Breguet watches

  • The Queen of Naples : recipient of the first known wristwatch (1812), ref. No. 2639

  • Winston Churchill, Arthur Wellesley (Wellington) : among the many historical figures who wore Breguet watches

 

Buying Pre-Owned Breguet at The Swiss Collector

  • Budget : Pre-owned Breguet watches start from CHF 4,500 for early Type XX models or first Classique references in steel. Type XXI in titanium and Marine references range from CHF 8,000 to CHF 15,000. Classique in gold starts around CHF 12,000. Grand complications (tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar) exceed CHF 50,000.

  • Condition : Every watch is classified across four levels (like new, very good, good, worn) with high-definition photographs.

  • Selection : Each piece is checked and assessed by our experts before listing.

  • TSC Guarantee : 12 to 24 months depending on condition and configuration.

  • Box & Papers (full set) : Clearly identified in our listings.

  • Delivery : Insured and trackable worldwide shipping.

 

Servicing

Breguet recommends a full service every 5 years. Recent calibres with silicon components require less lubrication but are not exempt from periodic servicing. The manufacture commits to long-term parts availability, including for older models : an important consideration when buying pre-owned.

 

FAQ