‘Marie-Antoinette, a Queen in Versailles,’ chronicles the ties between the last queen of France and the maker of horlogerie.

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With a history dating back over two and a half centuries, Breguet isn’t just a watchmaker with an illustrious past, but a royal one as well – and this connection takes centre stage at an exhibition currently running in Japan.

Marie-Antoinette, a Queen in Versailles,’ chronicles the ties between the last queen of France and the maker of horlogerie. Running from now until February 26, 2017 at the Mori Arts Centre Gallery, the exhibition is the first of its kind to be held in the country.

History suggests that Marie-Antoinette took a great liking towards Abraham-Louis Breguet’s unique designs that led to King Louis XVI buying several of the maison’s timepieces. This relationship with the French royalty culminated in the creation of the Breguet No. 160 Grand Complication, better known as the Marie-Antoinette in 1783. This watch was commissioned by one of the Queen’s guards who requested that Breguet incorporate every complication known to the world at the time in its making.

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Marie-Antoinette and Abraham-Louis Breguet

However, neither Marie-Antoinette nor Abraham-Louis survived to see the completed product that took 44 years to finish.

To mark this incredible retrospective, Breguet has created 2 timepieces, inspired by Marie-Antoinette herself that are currently on display at the exhibition – the Classique Rose De La Reine and the Désir De La Reine Haute Joaillerie.

The two watches pay homage to the queen’s love of roses but elevate it to another more luxurious level, in a way Marie-Antoinette would have been proud of.


Breguet Classique Rose De La Reine 9075, Unique Piece

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Cased in 18-carat white gold with 167 brilliant-cut diamonds in the bezel, dial flange and lugs.


Breguet Classique Rose De La Reine 9075, Unique Piece

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The ‘Rosa Centifolia Bullata’ motif owns the dial while the pink satin strap complements it.


Breguet Désir De La Reine Haute Joaillerie, Special Creation

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The timepiece holds over 300 diamonds, sapphires and mother-of-pearls in the case, bow motif, dial and crown.


Breguet Désir De La Reine Haute Joaillerie, Special Creation

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Even the pink satin strap is set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds in the clasp.


Our own history with Breguet: The opening of its first standalone boutique in Malaysia.