Alexandre Dumas and Breguet

The Count of Monte Cristo

More than two centuries ago, Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo was published. Like others among his peers, such as Honoré de Balzac and Victor Hugo, the illustrious writer chose to quote Breguet in this marvel of French literature.

“Danglars’ watch, a masterpiece by Breguet which he had rewound with care before setting out the previous day, chimed half past five in the morning.”

Dumas was a cinematic writer ahead of his time. All his literary qualities indeed lent themselves to cinema: an exceptional creator of characters, an author who placed his reader in the midst of the action and  dialogue.

In 2024, the House was involved in the new screen adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo – directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre De La Patellière – by lending some historical items: a pocket watch worn by the Count, played by Pierre Niney, and a marine chronometer installed on the desk of the shipowner Morel.