The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wrist...

Geneva, May 14, 2006

LOT 809

Breguet, No. 597, sold to Comte Campo Alegro on July 28, 1847 for 4500 francs. Very fine, rare and slim 18K gold Garde Temps half quarter-repeating, jump-hour hand, early keyless watch built ?sur les principes des chronomètres?, in morocco fitted box. Accompanied by the original certificate, spare dial and a copy of original instructions.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

EUR 10,000 - 13,000 / USD 12,000 - 15,000

Sold: CHF 21,240

C. Three-body, ?forme collier?, by master casemaker Jules Perot, engine-turned back centered by Count Campo Alegro?s crest, band engraved with laurel-leaf wreath, reeded edges of the bezels. D. White enamel, Roman numerals, secret signature below 12 o?clock, outer minute divisions, snap-on fit with gold ring. Gold Breguet hands. M. 39.3 mm. (17 1/2'''), gilt brass, 5-wheel train, jeweled to the center (23 jewels), straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with Breguet balance spring, brass escape wheel with oil-retention holes on every tooth, 2-arm cut-bimetallic compensation balance with platinum and gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, double roller, pare-chute on the top pivot, wolf-tooth winding wheels, winding only in one direction, setting by pulling the crown out, repeating on gongs through activating slide in the band. Signed on the dial. Diam. 44 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The watch implements the early stem-wound and stem-set keyless system apparently invented by Breguet (see Antiquorum, New York, April 26, 2001, lot 154). However, his early designs featured two separate arbors, one for winding, the other for setting. The arbors were sometimes concentric, but were always two in number. This design, alluringly simple, as are many Breguet inventions, consists of a double pinion set on a winding stem constructed in such a way that when one portion is disengaged by pulling the crown, the other becomes engaged. The watch is also of the highest quality, with superbly finished escapement, jeweling to the center and application of Breguet repetition system. For another similar watch No. 569, bought by Count Campo Alegro for 3500 francs, see Antiquorum, April 13, 2003, lot 539. The Count Campo Alegro was no doubt a member of the Bellaroto , or Ballaroto family, of noble Sicilian lineage,