46,000 CHF
A Monsieur le Comte Matuszewiz Watch No. 4578, sold on 23 September 1831, for the sum of 2900 Francs. Extra flat gold "simple" watch with calendar, constructed on the principal of the "gardetemps". Original Breguet short chain and gold key. Notes History: According to the repair books, this watch was returned for overhaul at the request of Monsieur le Comte de Matuszewiz (sic) on 1 October 1838 and 10 November 1841. Provenance: Formerly in the Sir David Salomons collection, No. 34. Sold at Christie's, London as lot 3, catalogue part I, on 1 December 1964. Literature: Illustrated and described in G. Daniels, The Art of Breguet, p.282, fig. 351 a-b. Note: Of elegant design, with an eccentric chapter-ring and miniature calendar aperture, this diminutive and extra-slim watch, constructed on the principles of the garde-temps, is a fine example of the montre simple as made by Breguet for civilian use after 1823. It can be seen that the entire escapement is visible on the back plate, following the pattern of modern watches, as distinct from the movements made before 1820, where part is mounted below the dial. Biography: Andreewitch Matsusewicz, son of Thadeus Matsusewicz, the former Finance Minister to Czar Alexander, who received the hereditary title of Count. Andreewitch was Russian Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court in England.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1991-04-14
