B reguet is a name synonymous with horological innovation and timeless elegance, boasting a legacy that dates back to its founding by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1775. Established in Paris, Breguet quickly earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest watchmakers, revolutionizing the industry with groundbreaking inventions like the tourbillon and the first self-winding watch, the Perpétuelle.
With a distinguished clientele including Napoleon Bonaparte, Sir Winston Churchill, and Queen Marie Antoinette, the creations of Breguet have long been celebrated for their technical ingenuity and historical significance. Iconic masterpieces like the Reine de Naples, inspired by the first wristwatch made for Caroline Bonaparte, continue to honor its storied past while embodying the pinnacle of modern watchmaking. For collectors seeking watches with unparalleled heritage and innovation, Breguet remains an enduring benchmark of excellence. Below are the five most expensive Breguet watches sold at Sotheby’s in 2024.
1. Breguet Reference 5347 Classique 'Grande Complication' (Circa 2011) 120,000 USD
The Breguet Reference 5347 Classique 'Grande Complication' sold for 120,000 USD in December 2024. This extraordinary timepiece features two tourbillon movements, a hallmark of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s patent, with separate openings on the silvered guilloché dial revealing the complex mechanisms. The dual tourbillons rotate together in 12-hour cycles, with the blued Breguet-styled hour hand serving as a bridge that moves along with the entire movement plate, making the dial a fascinating spectacle. The 45mm platinum case adds a sense of grandeur, while the sapphire crystal display back allows a view of the intricate mechanical workings that exemplify Breguet’s expertise.
The caseback of the Breguet 5347 presents an additional artistic touch, featuring a stunning engraving resembling a solar system diagram, thematically tied to the 12-hour rotation of the dial. This artistic element highlights the brand’s commitment to both technical mastery and aesthetic beauty. Powered by the calliber 588 mechanical movement with 69 jewels, the watch offers exceptional precision and durability. Finished with a platinum folding clasp, the Breguet Reference 5347 is an outstanding example of the fusion between complex mechanics and fine craftsmanship.
2. Breguet Reference 5887PT/Y2/9WV Marine Equation Marchante Grande Complication (Circa 2020) 107,950 USD
This Breguet Reference 5887PT/Y2/9WV Marine Equation Marchante Grande Complication sold for 107,950 USD in March 2024. This exceptional timepiece marked a bold departure from Breguet's traditional design philosophy, combining modern aesthetics with the brand's renowned craftsmanship. The standout feature of this model was its "running equation" display, where a secondary minute hand, adorned with a gilded Sun, indicated the difference between mean solar time and true solar time in real-time. This innovative display offered a more intuitive and legible approach to the equation of time complication, a rarity in the world of haute horlogerie.
Beyond this technical marvel, the Breguet Marine Équation Marchante Reference 5887 was a true grande complication, incorporating a one-minute tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and power reserve indicator. The movement, based on the Breguet Tourbillon Extra-Plat 5377, featured a peripheral winding mechanism, enabling a slim profile while maintaining the complex functionalities. The 44mm case, crafted in platinum and accented with Super-Luminova details, exuded a robust, sporty aesthetic that paid homage to Breguet's long-standing association with the French navy. The engraved nautical motifs further emphasized the maritime inspiration behind the design, making this timepiece both a visually striking and technically advanced tribute to the brand's heritage.
3. Breguet Classique Grande Complication, Reference 5447PT/1EV/9V6 (Circa 2006) 88,900 CHF
This Breguet Classique Grande Complication, Reference 5447PT/1EV/9V6 sold for 88,900 CHF in May 2024. This exquisite timepiece combines a perpetual calendar and minute repeater complication in a beautifully finished 41mm platinum case, making it an exceptional blend of technical innovation and craftsmanship. The watch boasts a stunning silvered dial, intricately decorated with hand-engraved guilloche patterns, and features an array of sub-dials, including a moon phase indicator, day display, date, leap year subdial, and a retrograde month display. Despite the multitude of complications, the dial remains harmonious, embodying Breguet’s philosophy of elegance and balance.
The perpetual calendar mechanism of the Breguet 5447PT ensures that the watch will display the correct date and time until the year 2100 without any adjustment needed. With its combination of sophisticated complications, luxurious platinum case, and refined aesthetics, the Breguet Classique Grande Complication 5447PT is a true masterpiece, celebrating both the brand's legacy and the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry.
4. Breguet La Tradition Reference 7047 (Circa 2011) 660,000 HKD
This Breguet La Tradition Reference 7047 sold for 660,000 HKD in October 2024. The 42mm platinum case features a semi-skeletonised design, allowing an unobstructed view of the intricate movement inside. The oversized tourbillon at the two o'clock position, the barrel at nine o'clock, and the fusée chain transmission at four o'clock are testament to the watch’s complexity and technical mastery. The ultra-domed sapphire crystal further enhances the beauty of this timepiece, while the rhodium-plated base movement adds a modern touch to the otherwise traditional design.
With its platinum case, the watch exudes a refined elegance, complemented by the black Breguet alligator strap and platinum folding clasp. This timepiece is not only a marvel of craftsmanship but also a modern update to the Breguet Tradition collection, where vintage-inspired elements blend seamlessly with contemporary features. Each element of the watch, from the case to the movement, is signed by Breguet, ensuring its authenticity and exceptional quality.
5. Breguet Marine Tourbillon Equation Marchante, Reference 5887PT/Y2/9WV (Circa 2022) 72,000 CHF
This Breguet Marine Tourbillon Equation Marchante, Reference 5887PT/Y2/9WV sold for 72,000 CHF in November 2024. A key feature is its unique "running equation" display, which tracks the real-time difference between mean solar time and true solar time. This deviation occurs because a day can vary by up to 15 minutes due to Earth's axial tilt and elliptical orbit around the sun. The innovative secondary minute hand, adorned with a gilded Sun, offers intuitive real-time indication, making the Breguet Marine 5887 a standout in the world of haute horology. It is further distinguished by the inclusion of a one-minute tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, and a power reserve indicator, all powered by the advanced Calibre 581 DPE automatic movement.
The Marine Équation Marchante also showcases Breguet's signature design philosophy, though it departs from the brand's classical aesthetic to adopt a more contemporary and robust look. The 45mm platinum case, featuring a sapphire crystal display case back and Super-Luminova accents, adds to the watch's sporty, maritime character. The nautical motifs engraved on the case and the subtle Breguet branding on the dial and movement reinforce the watch's homage to the brand’s historical association with the French navy. With its rare and highly sophisticated complication, alongside its distinct maritime-inspired design, this model captures both the technical mastery and elegant spirit of the Breguet Marine collection.
Buy or Sell Breguet Watches at Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Breguet watches available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of Breguet watches available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view a Breguet watch, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source Breguet watches from its global supplier network. Prices for Breguet watches typically begin around $13,000 for more simple references, but can easily exceed $100,000 for iconic timepieces with grand complications.
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