18 | HISTORY
The start of his independent working life was marked by his
invention of an astronomical pendulum, which he conceived
in 1815. This pendulum was shown to great acclaim at the
1823 Universal Exposition in Paris.
It won a silver medal, and was presented to King Louis XVIII.
He went from one success to another after this, and became
watchmaker to three kings of France : Louis XVIII, Charles X
and Louis-Philippe.
Among his inventions, applied to timepieces ranging from
marine watches to measuring instruments, he patented a
split-second precision stopwatch, in 1827. The timepieces he
made for the 1834 exhibition won him a supreme honour :
he was made a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, as a reward
for his talent and perseverance in his profession.
Louis-Frédéric was also involved in training young watch-
makers.
He intended to publish a treatise on horology, for young
students, but unfortunately his health prevented him from
completing this project. He died in January 1854.
Many items in museums and private collections bearing the
Perrelet signature are from the hand of Louis-Frédéric ; these
unique watches are living examples of the dazzling skills and
knowledge of this period.
Summary of Contents for Turbillon Series
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