Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 449

Breguet, No. 4718/168, made in 1828, renumbered 168 in 1835 and sold to Monsieur Gouverna as a present given by the Duc d'Angoulême to Baron de Pichon Longueville on March 27, 1838, for 1800 francs. Very fine 18K gold quarter-repeating watch in original morocco fitted box, accompanied by gold short chain, gold ratchet key and factory certificate.

CHF 40,000 - 50,000

EUR 26,000 - 33,000

Sold: CHF 43,700

C. four-body, "forme quatre baguettes", engine-turned, detachable gold cuvette. D. silver, champlevé radial Roman numerals on polished ring, outer minute dot divisions, engine-turned center. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 42.8 mm (19''', frosted gilt, hanging barrel, entirely jeweled cylinder escapement, three-arm gilt balance with flat balance spring, compensation curb, pare-chute on top pivot, repeating on gongs by pull-and-turn piston at 2 o'clock.Signed on the dial and cuvette, cuvette also engraved ?Donné à Mr le Bon Albert de Pichon Longueville par Son Altesse Royale Monseigneur le Duc d'Angouléme?.Diam. 49 mm.


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

Very good
Case: 3 - 15
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 6 - 01

Notes

An interesting watch which originated in 1828 and 10 years later was renumbered, with minimal changes made, and sold to Monsieur Gouverna. The Breguet archives record that Mr. Gouverna intended to give the watch to the Duc d'Angoulême, who in turn gave it as a present to the Baron de Pichon Longueville. Monsieur Gouverna bought at least one other watch from Breguet; it was ?a present ?pour le Dauphin?.?.