Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 453

Breguet, N o. 597, sold to Comte Campo Alegro on July 28, 1847 for 4500 francs. Very fine, rare and slim 18K gold Garde Temps half quarter-repeating, jump-hour hand, early keyless watch built ?sur les principes des chronometres?, in morocco fitted box. Accompanied by the original certificate, spare dial and a copy of original instructions.

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

EUR 13,000 - 19,500

Sold: CHF 20,700

C. three-body, ?forme collier?, by master casemaker Jules Perot, engine-turned back centered by the Count Campo Alegro's crest, band engraved with laurel-leaf wreath, reeded edges of the bezels. D. White enamel, Roman numerals, secret signature below 12 o'clock, outer minute divisions, snap-on fit with gold ring. Gold Breguet hands. M. 39.3 mm. (17 1/2''', gilt brass, 5-wheel train, jeweled to the center (23 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with Breguet balance spring, brass escape wheel with oil-retention holes on every tooth, 2-arm cut-bimetallic compensation balance with platinum and gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, double roller, pare-chute on the top pivot, wolf-tooth winding wheels, winding only in one direction, setting by pulling the crown out, repeating on gongs through activating slide in the band.Signed on the dial.Diam. 44 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 14 - 01

Notes

The watch implements the early stem-wound and stem-set keyless system apparently invented by Breguet see Antiquorum, ew York, April 26, 2001, lot 154. However, his early designs featured two separate arbors, one for winding, the other for setting. The arbors were sometimes concentric, but were always two in number. This design, alluringly simple, as are many Breguet inventions, consists of a double pinion set on a winding stem constructed in such a way that when one portion is disengaged by pulling the crown, the other becomes engaged.The watch is also of the highest quality, with superbly finished escapement, jeweling to the center and application of Breguet repetition system.For another similar watch o. 569, bought by Count Campo Alegro for 3500 see Antiquorum, April 13, 2003, lot 539.