Abraham-Louis Breguet No.160 watch originally made for Marie Antoinette is coming to London for the first time and will be on display at the Science Museum.
The extraordinary timepiece will form part of the South Kensington museum’s Versailles: Science And Splendour exhibition, which opens on 12th December. The timepiece, known as the ‘Marie Antoinette’ features rubies, sapphires, platinum and gold. It was created without a budget and has 823 parts.
Although intended for her, the famous French queen did not live long enough to see it finished. Although is was commissioned in 1783, it was not completed until after his own death in 1827, so neither did Breguet (below). It is said to be the most valuable watch in the world, and represents something of a ‘holy grail’ for horologists.
It has a clear crystal dial revealing mechanisms which support on-demand sounding on the hour, quarter hour and minute; a perpetual calendar corrected for the leap year; a thermometer; and an independent second hand that acts as a stopwatch. Adding to the mystery of the magnificent watch, it was stolen in 1983 and was missing for more than two decades.
Its arrival in London marks the first time the watch has travelled abroad since its safe return to the LA Mayer Museum for Islamic Art in 2008.
“This glorious watch will thrill visitors to Versailles: Science And Splendour, and is one of the most remarkable items we have ever secured. Even in the smallest details, the watch perfectly encapsulates meticulous engineering and a dedication to knowledge and beauty, ideals which are echoed throughout our exhibition and at Versailles itself.”
Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive, Science Museum Group
The exhibition will take visitors on a 120-year journey through the evolution of science at the royal court, the Palace of Versailles, and explain how monarchs Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI encouraged scientific pursuit and drew on technological advances to enhance France’s prestige and extend its influence.
Alongside the Breguet Marie Antoinette No. 160, there will be more than 100 objects will be on show, many of which have never before been displayed in the UK.
The exhibition runs until 21 April 2025. Tickets cost £12, with free entry for children aged 11 and under.
For more information please visit the Science Museum