Breguet Reference 1160 is a 2008 reconstruction of the historic No. 160 pocket watch—not the original watch commissioned in 1783. Breguet says that original was completed in 1827, decades after Marie-Antoinette’s death. The distinction matters: No. 1160’s story is one of archival reconstruction and an elaborate published specification, not a watch the queen owned or saw completed.
What is the difference between Breguet No. 160 and No. 1160?
| Detail | No. 160 | No. 1160 |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The historical pocket watch commissioned in 1783. | Breguet’s reconstruction of No. 160, presented in 2008. |
| Timeline | Breguet says it was completed in 1827, 44 years after the order was accepted. | Presented at Baselworld in 2008 after reconstruction based on archival research and original drawings. |
| Relationship to Marie-Antoinette | Commissioned for her, but she did not see the completed watch; completion came 34 years after her death. | A later reconstruction named for the historical commission, not a watch made for or owned by the queen. |
| Basis for technical knowledge | The historical object and its documented history. | Breguet says it used original technical drawings in its museum archives and research materials from the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. |
These dates and details are Breguet’s account of the watch’s history and reconstruction. Its presentation says: “It took the Breguet watchmakers three years of intensive work to recreate the N°160 watch identically.” That is the manufacturer’s description of its reconstruction, not an independent assessment of how closely the watches match.
Why was the original watch commissioned?
Breguet says an unnamed officer of the Queen’s Guards placed the order in 1783. The brief called for the refinements, complications, and functions known at the time, without a limit on time or money. The identity of the officer remains unknown in Breguet’s account. The order was accepted 44 years before the watch was completed in 1827.
Marie-Antoinette died in 1793, so she never saw the finished watch. Abraham-Louis Breguet also died in 1823, four years before its completion. The long timeline helps explain why the watch is associated with the queen without being a completed timepiece she used.
#1 Best Overall
What happened to No. 160?
Breguet says the original was stolen from a museum in Jerusalem in 1983 and reappeared in 2007. The brand presented the No. 1160 reconstruction at Baselworld the following year. These provenance dates are drawn from Breguet’s account; they are not independently corroborated here by a museum, archive, or scholarly source.
What complications are in the Breguet Marie-Antoinette pocket watch?
Breguet’s 2008 specification for No. 1160 describes a self-winding movement with 823 parts and components and a 48-hour power reserve. The manufacturer lists the following functions and displays:
Rank #2
- Minute repeater: sounds hours, quarters, and minutes on demand.
- Perpetual calendar: displays the date, day, and month.
- Equation of time: displays the difference between mean solar time and apparent solar time.
- Time display: jumping hours and a minute hand, with an independent central seconds hand and a running-seconds subdial.
- Power reserve: indicates the stated 48-hour reserve.
- Thermometer: a bimetallic thermometer.
The 823-part figure and 48-hour reserve are Breguet-published specifications from 2008, not independently verified measurements. The brand also describes gold plates, bridges, and bars; sapphire at friction points and bearings; a special escapement; a cylindrical gold balance spring; a bimetallic balance; and a double pare-chute shock-protection device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can—and can’t—be concluded from the published specification?
No. 1160 is mechanically ambitious on paper, with calendar, chiming, solar-time, and multiple seconds indications alongside its time display. But the available account is the manufacturer’s presentation of its own reconstruction. It does not establish independent operating tests, accuracy, sound quality, condition, or service history. This is a reference-based explanation, not a firsthand handling review.
Rank #3
- Elegant Square Design:23mm square case combines with classic black Roman numerals for easy time reading while maintaining a stylish and elegant look. Retro leather strap highlight the sense of noble,add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.This charming ladies watch is very beautiful on your wrist, expressing lady's temperament and charm.
- Vintage Women’s Watch: Mineral glass protects watch from scratches, visual clarity and transparency. Vacuum ion plating ensure the watch not easily discolor.Durable Leather strap offers a comfortable fit and won't make your wrist feel bulky even wear throughout the day.Imported Quartz movement ensures precise and accurate time recording, helping you stay on time all day long.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: This luxury vintage design women's dress watch is a good gift for Birthday, Christmas, Valentine Day, Wedding, New Year for your families or friends. Whether dressing for the office or on weekend, this timepiece has the mark of distinction.Elevate your gift-giving and style with our exquisite watch collection.
- Waterproof for daily life: Stainless steel durable waterproof case cover, Hand Wash, Rain Day, Sweating, NO Problem. In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming.
- What You Get: Women’s dress watch and friendly customer service.GOSASA watches are committed to providing impeccable quality and customer satisfaction. If you have any questions or doubts about our products, our timely and professional customer service team will provide you with satisfactory solutions.
The published information also does not establish a current price, retail availability, current ownership, or sale status for No. 1160. The original and reconstruction should therefore be understood as historically distinct objects, not as two currently available alternatives.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Elegant Bracelet Watch with Pearls:This women’s bracelet watch features a graceful pearl-beaded strap combined with a smooth alloy case, offering the perfect balance of elegance and modern sophistication. Ideal for both daily wear and formal occasions
- Pearl Bracelet Watch:This women's gold bracelet watch blends classic elegance with modern charm. Equipped with a reliable quartz movement, this bracelet wristwatch delivers accurate timekeeping while maintaining a refined and minimalist look. Perfect for women who appreciate both beauty and practicality
- Lightweight & Comfortable Fit：Weighing only 0.41oz (13g), this delicate ladies’ watch ensures a comfortable fit all day long. The adjustable pull-chain clasp allows you to easily customize the size for a perfect wrist fit (5.1–9.4 in)
- 30M WATERPROOF: 3ATM water pressure resistance construction (100ft). This retro women's analog quartz watch is water resistant to rain, hand washing, splash, brief immersion in water
- Ideal Gift for Every Occasion：A perfect gift for wife, girlfriend, mother on birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Christmas. Comes in multiple colors — Gold, Silver, Blue, and Pink — to match any outfit or mood
Rank #4
- Vintage Watch for Women: This bracelet luxury watch blends classic vintage aesthetics with modern simplicity. The 0.78*0.94" diameter pearl oval dial with Arabic numerals, 3-hand analog display. A perfect choice for women who are seeking elegant watches or jewelry bracelets.
- Pearl Bracelet Watch: This silver women's watch complements any outfit with grace. The 7.87'' length alloy steel strap has 6 white decorative shell settings. Its romantic and fashionable design expresses lady's tenderness and charm. Tools included to deattach and resize it.
- Durable Material: Crafted from IP plated alloy steel, mineral glass lens, this feminine silver watch ensures durability while maintaining a luxurious feel. The quartz movement guarantees accurate timekeeping. Lightweight at just 34g.
- Excellent Gift for Her: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, or Christmas, this dress watch is a simple and fashion dress watch for any occasion, as a gift for mother, wife, daughter, sister and friends. It can be paired with casual or classy outfit.
- 30M Waterproof: Water resistant to rain, hand washing, splash, brief immersion in water, offering reliable performance for everyday use. Avoid pressing any buttons while in water to maintain optimal functionality.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
