A remarkable timepiece made for Marie Antoinette is set to debut at the Science Museum in London, marking its first UK exhibition. Crafted by renowned horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet, the No.160 watch is a lavish creation adorned with rubies, sapphires, platinum, and gold, encompassing 823 intricate components. Although commissioned as a gift for the queen in 1783, it was completed posthumously after Breguet’s death in 1827. This exquisite watch will be featured in the “Versailles: Science And Splendour” exhibition opening on 12 December 2023. Marie Antoinette, born in Austria in 1755 and married to Louis XVI, met a tragic end via guillotine during the French Revolution in 1793. The watch, often called “the grand complication,” is famed as possibly the world’s most valuable timepiece, showcasing advanced features like a perpetual calendar and thermometer. After a theft in 1983 and a two-decade absence, it was returned to the LA Mayer Museum for Islamic Art in 2008, making this London display particularly significant. Sir Ian Blatchford from the Science Museum Group expressed that the watch represents remarkable engineering, capturing ideals of knowledge and beauty, alongside elements in the exhibition highlighting the scientific advancements championed by French monarchy over various reigns. The exhibition runs until 21 April 2025, featuring over 100 artefacts, many previously unseen in the UK, with tickets priced at £12, free for children 11 and under.

Marie Antoinette’s watch not only represents luxury and craftsmanship but also a significant historical artifact tied to the life of the last queen of France. Created by Breguet, it exemplifies the pinnacle of watchmaking of the time, reflecting the artistic and scientific pursuits admired by French monarchs. Its storied past, including theft and recovery, adds to its narrative and intrigue for visitors, contributing to France’s cultural heritage.

The display of Marie Antoinette’s jewelled watch at the Science Museum in London offers a unique glimpse into royal history and horological mastery. The watch, with its intricate design and prestigious background, is central to the upcoming “Versailles: Science And Splendour” exhibition, which celebrates the intersection of science and the arts during the French monarchy. This exhibition promises a rich exploration of royal ambitions and achievements while showcasing over 100 historic artifacts.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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