L\'ART DE L\'HORLOGERIE EN FRANCE DE ...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 14, 1993

LOT 169

Breguet No. 381, sold to M. Bergeron on 6 Frimaire an V I I (26 Novembre 1798), for 600 Francs. Rare early silver "montre de souscription".

CHF 20,000 - 25,000

C. Three body, "forme collier", with gold riras, by Guillaume Mermillot No. 314, the monogram "J. B.", engraved on the engine-turned back. D. White enamel with Breguet numerals and secret signature under "12" (slightly restored on the border and virtually invisible hair lines). Single blued-steel "souscription" hand with tapered point. M. 25"', gilt brass, the earlier type of " souscription" calibre immediately following the experimental model, with central barrel and curved bridges, overhanging ruby cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring with bimetallic compensation curb on the index regulator. Signed on the dial and movement. In good condition.


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Notes

Although sold in 1798, several details such as the case, which bears the Paris hallmark for 1789 in addition to that for 1798-1809, the dial fixed by two feet (rather than a screw), and retained by screws and the balance without "parachute" suspension, confirm this watch as one of the first "montres de souscription" made by Breguet following the first experimental examples. The movement may be usefully compared with that of No. 246, which has the earliest type of experimental "souscription" calibre and with one of the later type. On watch No. 246, the signature is similar and the dia] is fixed in the same way, with two feet, secured by screws; the movement has a central barrel and the wheel train laid out in exactly the same form as in the final version, but covered with a back plate. In the watch now offered for sale, the wheels are already secured by bridges, but they are of curved form instead of being straight as in the final development of the " souscription" calibre.