We went behind the curtain at one of horology’s most prestigious temples: what Breguet lacks in modern showmanship it more than makes up for passion and pure mastery of technique
By James Gurney

Breguet?s manufacture in L?Orient promises very little from the outside, a purely nondescript edifice that could have been built any time in the previous century. And even inside, initial impressions are that this is not going to be a visit that excites in the way that passing through the portals of Rolex or Panerai might. But that?s a reflection of Breguet?s style; the most revered name in horology doesn?t need challenging architecture or have any requirement to excite you with robotic component distribution systems. And while the brand is somewhat conscious that its manufacture should represent the same brand values as you?ll find on Bond Street or Place Vendôme (getting an invite took years), there?s still plenty to fascinate within. Dare one say it, Breguet actually promises less than it delivers.
Breguet would have every right to be the most bombastic brand name in the business, Abraham-Louis having no rival as watchmaking?s touchstone name, but to understand why it isn?t, it helps to know a little more about Breguet?s recent past. Breguet?s modern history begins when the Chaumet family acquired the business in the early 70?s. Jacques and Pierre Chaumet (descended from jewellers to the court of Napoleon) wanted to bring new life to a brand that had become near mor...