THE ART OF BREGUET

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 14, 1991

LOT 39

A Monsieur Wenham Watch No. 4302, delivered on commission on 7 November 1828, for the sum of 1112 Francs. Silver and gold "simple" watch.

CHF 30,000 - 35,000

Sold: CHF 36,800

Case: 18 ct., four body, quatre baguettes form, by Joly, No. 516, engine-turned à grains d'orge, the band in silver. Gold cuvette signed: "Breguet, No. 4302".
Dial: Engine-turned silver, signed: "Breguet et Fils", witch Roman numerals on a plain reserve, double secret signature on either side of "XII". Blued-steel Breguet hands.
Movement: Gilt brass, 20"', bar caliber with overhanging ruby cylinder escapement, three-arm plain brass balance, with parachute on the top pivot, and bimetallic compensation curb on the regulator. Blued-steel flat balance spring.
In very good condition. Diam. 53 mm.


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Notes

History: Hugues Wenham was the agent for Breguet in St. Petersburg. As this watch was never returned to Paris for overhaul, the eventual purchaser's name is not recorded. Note: The case of this watch presents a particular characteristic of Breguet's work, with the covers being made in gold and the band in silver. Such a mixture of metals was certainly not used for reasons of economy, as the cuvette, which remains hidden, is of gold. In fact Breguet quite often combined the two metals (very occasionally also gold and platinum) to provide a contrast in the appearance of his cases, the silver souscription watches being particularly distinctive with simply the rims and ring in gold. The use of different materials in combination for the construction of watch cases has become an integral part of their design in modern times.