EPISODE · Apr 22, 2026 · 9 MIN
The Art of Breguet
from Watches and Politics · host Edi Shipoli
Before there were icons, before there were independents, before there was modern watchmaking as we understand it — there was Breguet.In this episode of Watches and Politics — Series 3: Watch Books, I explore The Art of Breguet — a book that doesn’t just document a watchmaker, but explains how modern horology itself was invented.This is not a brand celebration.It’s a study of ideas made mechanical.In this episode, we discuss:• why Abraham-Louis Breguet is considered the father of modern watchmaking• how innovation and aesthetics became inseparable in his work• the political, scientific, and cultural world Breguet operated in• why Breguet watches were instruments of power, not just luxury• how the book frames authorship, invention, and legacy• who should read this book — and who may find it demandingThis episode connects directly to:Series 1 — time, power, and modern systemsSeries 2 — institutional memory and authoritySeries 3 — the written canon of watch cultureSeries 3 is the library of Watchesand Politics — where watches are read as historical arguments.📌 Subscribe for weekly watch book episodes📌 Comment with the Breguet invention you find most important📌 Share with the friend who says “everything traces back to Breguet” — because they might be right#watches #politics #history #horology #collecting #art #books #breguet
What this episode covers
Before there were icons, before there were independents, before there was modern watchmaking as we understand it — there was Breguet.In this episode of Watches and Politics — Series 3: Watch Books, I explore The Art of Breguet — a book that doesn’t just document a watchmaker, but explains how modern horology itself was invented.This is not a brand celebration.It’s a study of ideas made mechanical.In this episode, we discuss:• why Abraham-Louis Breguet is considered the father of modern watchmaking• how innovation and aesthetics became inseparable in his work• the political, scientific, and cultural world Breguet operated in• why Breguet watches were instruments of power, not just luxury• how the book frames authorship, invention, and legacy• who should read this book — and who may find it demandingThis episode connects directly to:Series 1 — time, power, and modern systemsSeries 2 — institutional memory and authoritySeries 3 — the written canon of watch cultureSeries 3 is the library of Watchesand Politics — where watches are read as historical arguments.📌 Subscribe for weekly watch book episodes📌 Comment with the Breguet invention you find most important📌 Share with the friend who says “everything traces back to Breguet” — because they might be right#watches #politics #history #horology #collecting #art #books #breguet
NOW PLAYING
The Art of Breguet
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m