In 1775, the reign of Louis XVI just took place and ushers in a new wind over France. The King is favorable to the arts, and Breguet takes advantage of it to start its own business. He is successful up until the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. The unstable climate in Paris forces him to flee his adopted country, and he returns to Switzerland. When he comes back, Abraham-Louis Breguet sets out to rebuild his business and find a new clientele.
Development and production of the first single hand watch known as the subscription watch.
Breguet's subscription watch is one of relatively large diameter - 2 3/8 inches (61mm) - with a single hand and an enamel dial, and it is equipped with a special movement of great simplicity. Launched through an advertising brochure in 1797, subscription watches were sold by Breguet on a subscription basis, and the firm required customers to make a down payment of a quarter of the price when they placed an order. Called souscription in the sales ledgers, these watches were reliable and affordable; they proved a great success, attracting a large new clientele. Some 700 were made, with a choice of either a gold or silver case. Breguet used the calibre of this watch to make his first touch watches.
Subscription watch No. 246, experimental calibre, sold on 9 January 1798 to Mr Durbach.
Breguet designed a new type of travel clock, in the form of a small gilt bronze case, glazed on four sides.
