36,800 CHF
Breguet, No. 718, sold to Monsieur Melin on June 4, 1812 for 1200 francs.Fine 18K gold quarter-repeating watch with ruby duplex escapement, accompanied by certificate. Four-body, "Empire", engine-turned, reeded band, gilt brass hinged cuvette. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, secured by a single screw. Blued steel Breguet hands. Notes This watch has a very unusual overbanking prevention mechanism. If it receives too strong an impulse, the balance might swing over 360 degrees and get stuck on the back of the escape wheel. This watch has a small flirt mounted on the balance staff, able to freely rotate approximately 150°. If the balance amplitude is greater than 180 degrees (in one direction from the point of rest), the flirt meets up with a stop piece, allowing the balance to rotate another 75 degrees, being in constant touchwith the pin, then restricts any further movement of the balance, thus preventing overbanking. This is a very rare contrivance.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2003-04-12
