Ratskunk
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A.-L. Breguet: New biography of contemporaries or Historical and reasoned dictionary of all the men who, since the French Revolution, have acquired fame through their actions, their writings, their errors or their crimes...
Caveat: I don't know how crazy of a Breguet fan one has to be to read the enclosed but I suspect pretty crazy.
One the most wonderful books on a watchmaker is Emmanuel Breguet's "Breguet, Watchmakers since 1775"; maybe the only book that may in the future eclipse the book's repute, if ever published, would be a monograph about Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, his memorizing life and magnificent creations but I digress...the obsessive reader will have noted a small entry in the Sources and Bibliography section of the Breguet book under General Works, but even the curious may not have sought out the reference noted, namely...
Biographie nouvelle des contemporains ou Dictionnaire historique et raisonné de tous les hommes qui, depuis la Révolution française, ont acquis de la célébrité par leurs actions, leurs écrits, leurs erreurs ou leurs crimes, soit en France, soit dans les pays étrangers; précédée d'un tableau par ordre chronologique des époques célèbres et des évènements remarquables, tant en France qu'à l'étranger, depuis 1787 jusqu'à ce jour, et d'une table alphabétique des assemblées législatives, à partir de l'assemblée constituante jusqu'aux dernières chambres des pairs et des députés. Par MM. A. V. Arnault,... A. Jay, E. Jouy,... J. Norvins... [et E.-F. Bazot]
Enclosed here is the entry for A.-L. Breguet; published two years before Breguet's death, this may be the earliest biographical entry for Breguet; it seems not a biography per se but still may be of interest to the historically-minded A.-L. Breguet fan.
Apologies for the poor transcription which results in a certainly not perfect, albeit I think readable, translation...it's important to remember the entry was written in Breguet's lifetime.
A.-L. Breguet: New biography of contemporaries or Historical and reasoned dictionary of all the men who, since the French Revolution, have acquired fame through their actions, their writings, their errors or their crimes...
Caveat: I don't know how crazy of a Breguet fan one has to be to read the enclosed but I suspect pretty crazy. One the most wonderful books on a watchmaker is Emmanuel Breguet's " Breguet, Watchmakers since 1775 "; maybe the only book that may in the futu...
Always enjoy you sharing these informative articles!
I find A.L. Breguet history simply fascinating. I had the opportunity to visit the Paris Boutique and museum at Vendome a couple of years ago. Since, I’ve been struck with the notion that no other current watchmaker can boast the depth of history that Mon...
Good food for thought...
Modern Breguet demonstrates the collective genius of Swatch's advanced R & D. I have much appreciation for the modern 7727 and twin tourbillons. Breguet is perhaps the greatest watchmaker who ever lived, and it was helpful when the brand was a passion pro...
Breguet died with Breguet.
Regarding Swatch Group (i.e. modern Breguet)...I could explode with a volcanic diatribe against modern Breguet, spewing a hot lava screed of contempt and disappointment for the dissing of A.-L. Breguet by the Swatch Group but for the sake of brevity and c...
I get your disappointment….
I think the modern Tradition and Marine collections have tons of potential with a few modest tweaks. I also feel, in A.L.’s absence, the company needs a visible face and articulate voice promoting the brand. I’m thinking a Guido Terrini type.
Since my response to your post…
I’ve been reading about the new CEO, Gregory Kissling (ironically also from Neuchatel) and he seems to be promising. Great experience/education, youthful and has Nick Hayek’s support. As the company’s 250th birthday rolls around, perhaps we’re in for a po...
as ever, your research is much appreciated
"a rare intelligence in his art" - so true. I love that collectors are referred to as amateurs!
