37,950 CHF
Breguet et Fils No. 1484, sold to General Labadie on 28 March 1810 for 1800. Extremely rare 18IK gold, quarter-repeating watch with Echappement naturel. Contemporary, four body, "forme collier", engine-turned. Hinged gold cuvette. White enamel with Breguet numerals and secret signature below "12", (slightly restored on the border beneath the bezel). blued-steel Breguet hands. Notes According to the workshop books, this watch was begun on 24 Fructidor an 11 (11 September 1803), and the escapement was made on 29 January 1806 for 265 Francs. It was then upgraded by Bernauda on 13 October 1808 (initially set on either side of the lever, the two escape wheels are set concentrically). The Echappement naturel is the first example of Breguet's use of a detachable platform for the escapement, in this case secured to the plate by a single screw. This method of construction had the important advantage of allowing the work to be given to the most suitable craftsman. Such platforms were subsequently used for Marine chronometers, enabling Breguet to simply swap the entire escapement when work or extensive re-furbishment was required. Photocopies of the original Breguet workshop records will be supplied to the buyer of this watch.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1996-10-12
