Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 451

Breguet, No. 3984, sold to Prince Scherbatoff on November 16, 1823, for 2400 francs. Exceptionally fine and rare, slim 20K gold and silver double-barrel Garde Temps watch built ?sur les principes des chronometers?, in a red morocco fitted Breguet box. Accompanied by a certificate and a copy of Breguet's original instructions to Prince Scherbatoff.

CHF 120,000 - 150,000

EUR 78,000 - 98,000

Sold: CHF 168,500

C. three-body, by master casemaker Tavernier, No. 3959, "forme quatre baguettes", engine-turned, silver band, bayonette fixing. D. silver, by Tavernier, eccentric Roman chapter ring set at the top with outer minute dot divisions, subsidiary sunk seconds set between 6 and 7 o'clock, center with wickerwork pattern, Barley corn pattern on the outside, regulator aperture below 6 o'clock. M. 49.6 mm (22''', gilt brass, bar caliber, double barrel with female winding gearing with center wheel pinion, jeweled to the center (21 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement, brass escape wheel with oil-retention holes on every other tooth, 2-arm cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, double roller, pare-chute on the top pivot.Signed on the dial and the box, numbered on the movement, case and dial.Diam. 56mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

This watch was exhibited in Paris for the 200th anniversary of the Breguet company between September 1986 and January 1987..This is the type of watch that would revolutionize horology for decades to come. Most striking esthetic qualities of the watch. They exemplify the famous Breguet elegance which would change horological styles forever. The two-tone effect of gold placed within a 1.4 mm silver band rim illustrates the importance Breguet accorded to harmony andproportion.Breguet wrote, ?The repasseur [the finisher] must understand the rules of arrangement of the watch, he must understand the perfect uniformity of any given model? similarly, for the appearance, the sizes of cases, dials, the inscription of the name whether engraved or painted, must be similar in shape, size and must be in the same place??Breguet had a rare talent not only for the technical aspects of watches, but their outward appearance. This watch perfectly exemplifies his philosophy and demonstrates the reasons why his style has proven to be timeless.