The Greatest Horological Masterpieces of All Time: Breguet’s Marie Antoinette Watch and Its Impact on Horology - Worn & Wound
The Breguet No. 160, known as the Marie Antoinette Watch, represents a pinnacle of horological achievement, commissioned in 1783 and crafted by the renowned watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet. Intended as a lavish and intricate expression of luxury for Queen Marie Antoinette, the watch features an astounding 23 complications, showcasing groundbreaking innovations in timekeeping. Although never presented to the queen due to her execution before its completion, the watch became a symbol of 18th-century craftsmanship and continues to influence modern horology, valued at over $100 million today. The watch's history is marked by intrigue, including its daring theft in 1983 from the L.A. Mayer Museum, where it was lost for 24 years before being recovered in 2007. Its legacy has inspired contemporary watchmakers and maintained the Breguet name as synonymous with excellence and innovation. Ultimately, the Marie Antoinette Watch encapsulates a unique blend of royal history, artistic ingenuity, and the evolution of timekeeping, leaving an indelible mark on the world of horology.
