Breguet Watch of Major Henry Percy

At the time of the Battle of Waterloo, pocket watches were rare, valuable and relatively new devices – and the most famous watches in the world were made by the Swiss-born Abraham-Louis Breguet. He invented early versions of both the wristwatch and the musical metronome, and his creations were worn by kings and leaders across Europe, from the Emperor Napoleon down. Breguet was even famous enough for cheap copies of his work to be sold – exactly like knock-offs of modern designer brands.

After the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, the British government in London had no idea that the Allied armies had won, or that the threat from Napoleon was over. Someone was needed to carry the dispatch, the Duke of Wellington’s written account of the battle, back to London and deliver it personally to the Prime Minister, Lord Liverpool. Major Henry Percy, who as an aide-de-camp, one of the Duke of Wellington’s personal assistants of the battlefield, was chosen. This was partly because Major Percy had come through the Battle of Waterloo uninjured, but also because it was an honour to deliver news of a victory – and Major Percy was the son of an earl (Lord Algernon Percy), and a useful person to put in the Duke’s debt.

Major Henry Percy was indeed rewarded, being promoted to Colonel by the Prince Regent moments after he delivered the Waterloo Dispatch. As a mark of personal regard, the Duke of Wellington also gave Percy this watch – one of two that the Duke had bought personally from Breguet in late 1815. Considering Breguet’s exalted list of clients – he had created the first ever wristwatch for Queen Caroline Murat, sister of Napoleon – this was a generous, even extravagant gift.

After the Battle of Waterloo, and the retreat of the defeated French, the Allied army marched on to occupy Paris. Officers in the Allied army, including Wellington, enjoyed “occupying” the city of Paris, with many buying up treasures that Napoleon had gathered from across Europe.

The plate below the watch reads:

“This watch was given to Col. Hon. Henry Percy, A.D.C. by F.M. The Duke of Wellington his rejoining the Duke at Paris after taking the Waterloo despatches to England.

The Duke had two similar watches made for him by Breguet whilst in Paris in 1815 one of which he wore himself until his death & the other he gave to Col. Percy who left it to his Sister-in-law the Hon. Mrs. Josceline Percy, who left it to her daughter Mrs. Charles Bagot.”