History: This watch passed through Breguet's hands no less than four times. Chronologically the history is a follows: Sold on 19 Brumaire an 9 (10 November 1800) under No. 689, for 1000 Francs. Repurchased on 21 Messidor an 13 (10 July 1805) from a secrétaire de Lueien Bonaparte, for 500 Francs and transferred to No. 1861. Sold to Monsieur Tessier de Grandpré on 6 January 1807, for 1000 Francs. Repurchased from Monsieur Tessier de Grandpré on 22 November 1822, for 520 Francs and transferred to No. 4125. Sold to Monsieur Combe Scyes on 6 September 1825 for 1000 Francs. Repurchased from Monsieur Combe Scyes on 11 April 1827, for 800 Francs. Sold to Mademoiselle Walekier on 28 November 1829, for 300 Francs. Note: This montre a tact is based on the largest size of souscription movement made by Breguet. The decoration of the case is unusual, with a radial pattern on the dial side and a particularly delicate wave pattern on the back with the gold n tact arrow. LUCIEN BONAPARTE Prince of Canino (1775-1840)
Lucien Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, the third son of Charles and Laetitia Bonaparte. Having been banished from his homeland with his family, he found employment with the French administration, in the department of food supplies. During those early days he was to encounter Robespierre, with whom he developed a close friendship. It is for this very reason - and for the Jacobinic convictions he never attempted to hide - that he was labelled a "terrorist" after the 9th of Thermidor and jailed in the city of Aix in 1795. Following his appointment as Commissioner in Corsica a year later, he became a Member of Parliament for Liamone, thanks to the self-confidence he displayed in all circumstances, coupled with a vivid eloquence which was to serve him so well throughout his life, especially in political circles. Although not having reached the age of eligibility, Lucien Bonaparte managed to be elected to the famous Council of the Five Hundred, which he presided at the time of the 18th of Brumaire. It is recognized today that this republican at heart contributed significantly to the success of the coup d' Etat. Named Minister of the Interior by his brother the First consul, he was however to fall rapidly into disgrace. Lucien Bonaparte had never sought to dissimulate the deep mistrust he felt towards his brother, whom he suspected of possessing tyrannical inclinations. This was really what separated him from Napoleon, more so than mere ideological differences. Upon being appointed as Ambassador to Spain, he somewhat restored his image by ardently promoting the French cause over that of the English. He was named Tribune in 1802 and Senator shortly after. It was during this period that he decided, to his brother's utter displease, to wed Alexandrine Jacob de Bleschamp, widow of a well know banker. (His first marriage to Christine Bover had failed some years earlier.) In 1804, he retired to Rome where Pope Pius VII created the Principality of Canino especially for him. Six years later, Lucien Bonaparte left for the United States and was captured at sea by the English, being subsequently put under house arrest in Ludlow. Released in 1814, he became reconciled with the Emperor during the Hundred Days and was elected to the House of Peers. After the battle of Waterloo, he energetically lent his support to Marie-Louise's regency. As Napoleon left France for what was to be his final journey, his brother departed once again for Rome, where he was made prisoner and jailed for a time in the Turin citadel. As a result of the Pope interceding for him, Lucien Bonaparte was released and he ended his days in peaceful retirement. He died of stomach cancer at the age of 65, in the town of Viterbo. A patron of the arts, Lucien Bonaparte was admitted to the Institute as early as 1803. He owned a prized collection of rare Etruscan vases. His publications include epic poems Charlemagne, La Corse Sauvée, and a novel in two volumes entitled La Tribu Indienne.