History: Purchased by Jean Dolifus in 1934 as a gift for his brother Louis. Returned for overhaul in 1935 and again in 1958, by Louis Doilfus on both occasions. Note: This watch is certainly unique in Breguet's work being the earliest and the only example of its type that they made. Research in the records proves that there were no others produced. It may well also be the earliest purpose-built wristwatch with perpetual calendar ever made by any firm, as although a fine example by Patek Philippe dating from 1925 is preserved in their Museum, it was built using an existing miniature pendant watch movement (See Patek Philippe Wristwatches, page 213). Significantly, Dolifus paid 11'000 Francs to Breguet for the watch, a fabulous price, particularly when compared with another complicated wristwatch, also sold in 1934, in platinum, with selfwinding and up-and-down, which already cost 6'500 Francs. The instantaneous system, using a single complex lever to advance ail the calendar functions at the same moment, requires an exceptionally high standard of workmanship if it is to function correctly. In a pocket watch, the relatively large spring is able to provide a sufficient reserve of power to overcome the inherent friction created by the various discs needing to be advanced; however, far less force is available in a wristwatch, particularly a small and slim example such as this, and ail the parts must therefore be crafted and finished to the highest standards. The form of the case and layout of the dial are classic examples of the Art Déco style and it is interesting to note how the Breguet numerals, created 150 years before, perfectly complement the overall design. This watch was sold by Antiquorum in the sale "The Art of Breguet" in April 1991, lot 173. Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844) King of Naples and later King of Spain Born in Corte in 1768, Joseph Bonaparte was the eldest brother of Napoleon I. After his studies at the collège d'Autun, he sets up his practice as a lawyer in Ajaccio in 1788. When Paoli causes the rise of Corsica against France, he leaves the island to establish himself in Marseille where, in 1794, he marries Julie Clary (1777-1845), the daughter of a rich merchant. Thanks to his brother, he is named to various important posts and is successively " Chargé de Mission" in Corsica (1796), Ambassador to Parma (1797) and to Rome where he was almost killed in a riot together with General Duphot, engaged to be married to his step-sister Désirée (December 1797). "Député aux Cinq-Cents, soon he resigns from his position and, as a plenipotentiary minister, negotiates and signs the treaties of Lunéville (1801) and Amiens (1802), as well as the "Concordat" (1801). After the proclamation of the Empire, he is appointed in turn, as Grand Elector of Saxony (May 18th, 1804), King of Naples (1806-1808) and King of Spain (1808-1813), where he fails to impose himself, both military and politically. He returns to France at the time of the invasion, receives the title of General Lieutenant of the forces stationed in Paris. On March 30th, 1814, he leaves Paris and moves to Blois together with Marie- Louise, and after Napoleon's first abdication, he retires to Switzerland, in Prangins. He returns to France, at the "Cent Jours" and presides the "Conseil des ministres" during the absence of the Emperor. He takes the title of Comte de Survilliers (a small town in the Parisian area where he owned a castle). After the second abdication, he sells most of his real estates, furnitures and works of art and left for the United-States where he settles from 1815 to 1832, then moves to England where he remains from 1832 to 1841 to then retire to Florence where he dies in 1844. He had two daughters, the first Zénaïde (Paris, 1801-Naples, 1854), married in 1822 Charles, son of Lucien, while the second, Charlotte (Paris 1802-Italy, 1839), married Napoleon Louis, son of Louis.