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

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 14, 1993

LOT 172

Breguet et Fils No. 1482, sold to General Labadie on 28 March 1810 for 1800. Extremely rare 18 ct. gold, quarter-repeating watch with Echappement naturel.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

Sold: CHF 32,200

C. Contemporary, four body, "forme collier", engine-turned. Hinged gold cuvette. D. White enamel with Breguet numerals and secret signature below "12", (slightly restored on the border beneath the bezel). blued-steel Breguet hands. M. 21"', gilt brass, bar calibre, échappement naturel with unsprung locking, entirely mounted, including the balance, on a small platform almost isolated from the rest of the movement, cut bimetallic three-arm balance with " parachute" suspension on both pivots, balance spring with Breguet terminal curve. Repeating on the case with a single polished steel hammer, pulltwist piston in the pendant. Signed on the dial and cuvette. In good condition. Diam. 56 mm.


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Notes

According to the workshop books, this watch \vas begun on 24 Fructidor an 11 (11 September 1803) ,and the escapement was made on 29 January 1806 for 265 Francs. It vas then upgraded by Bernauda on 13 October 1808 (initially set on either side of the lever, the two escape wheels are now set concentrically). The Echappement naturel is the first example of Breguet's use of a detachable platform for the escapement, in this case secured to the plate by a single screw. This method of construction had the important advantage of allowing the work to be given to the most suitable craftsman. Such platforms were subsequently used for Marine chronometers, enabling Breguet to simply swap the entire escapement when work or extensive refurbishment was required.. Photocopies of the original Breguet workshop records will be supplied to the buyer of this watch.