As a worthy representative of the third generation, Louis-Clément quickly understands that the market is changing quickly and that if Breguet wants to remain competitive, it becomes imperative to diversify. His approach is different especially since he did not live the French Revolution and knows only a little bit the French Empire.
The first watches to be equipped with a winding crown were produced by Antoine-Louis Breguet. On 30 December 1830, Breguet sold to Comte Charles de L’Espine watch no.4952, equipped with a knurled button in the pendant which fulfilled two functions: setting the hands and rewinding the watch. The modern winding crown was born. Breguet’s son did not patent this revolutionary device at the time.
Breguet half-quarter-repeating watch No.4288, one of the very first watches with a winding crown, or keyless winding, just above the pendant. Sold on 31 October 1836 to Mr Theodor Yermolov.
