Important Collector's Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Dec 02, 2003

LOT 66

Breguet, No. 40/97, No. 1686, Ref. 3999. Produced in a limited edition of 97 examples to commemorate the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997. Very fine and elegant, thin, center-seconds, self-winding, 18K yellow gold and porcelain gentleman's wristwatch with date and an 18K yellow gold Breguet buckle. Accompanied by a fitted box, certificate and a loupe.

C. two-body, solid, polished, case back with a red and white porcelain medaillon representing the "Lotus Flower", symbol of the Hong Kong flag before June 1997, reeded band, rounded bezel, straight lugs, cabochon sapphire-set winding-crown, sapphire crystal. D. "guilloché" silver with two outer plain silver rings with painted Roman numerals for the hours and secret "Breguet" signature, indexes for the seconds, three medallions with the numbers and signature, aperture for the date. Blued steelBreguet" hands. M. Cal. 591, rhodium-plated, ?fausses côtes? decoration, 25 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self- compensating flat balance-spring, 18K "guilloché" gold rotor. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 32 mm.