By the time King Louis XVIII appointed Abraham-Louis Breguet the official watchmaker to the French Royal Navy in 1815, the Neuchâtel-born horologist had long since proven himself one of the finest, most sought-after watchmakers in history; with a client list ranging from Marie Antoinette to the Queen of Naples, for whom he designed the world’s very first wristwatch.

One of many honours bestowed upon the inventor of the tourbillon, Breguet’s role within the Royal Navy was not without gravitas. The precision of the marine chronometer was crucial for fleets in the calculation of their position at sea. At the time of his death in 1823, the maison had created nearly 80 marine timepieces, two of which accompanied naval officers Louis de Freycinet and Hyacinthe de Bougainville on their legendary voyages around the world.

Nearly two centuries on, Breguet’s passion and mastery of marine horology today reflects its founder's intrepid drive for perfection. The manufacture has proven itself as a master of reinvention, bringing together outstanding craftsmanship, technical prowess and the latest in innovation, all while deeply honouring traditions. Most recently, this is exemplified in the new Marine collection, featuring five striking pieces including a new design of the Hora Mundi, celebrated for its instant-change dual-time display.

The latest 5557 Marine Hora Mundi timepiece is available in two carefully crafted iterations. Both invite a sense of escapism with a dial offering a new, fascinating interpretation of the world by a play on materials, colours and superimposed sapphire plates. The 43.9 mm-diameter case, available in a choice of white or rose gold, houses a Calibre 77F1 with a 55-hour power reserve. The choice of a leather strap, rubber strap or gold bracelet with a triple-blade folding clasp delivers the final visual touches to this timeless piece.

The exceptional movement features additional patented modules for the dual time-zone mechanism, the second time-zone display, the programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheel and the pointer-type day/night display.

Each watch of the new Marine Collection features sturdy construction, a reinforced case and protected crown, and an astounding design. From the 18ct gold, with its hand engraved gold dial and sapphire caseback, to the High Jewellery wristwatch featuring an eye-catching mother-of-pearl dial set with 85 hand-cut gems.

Representing a new chapter for marine watches at Breguet, the new collection masterfully brings together the brand’s present, future and, of course, its past.