823Σ
Breguet
Ref. 3237
A fine, mesmerizing and rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with lapis lazuli hour and minute ring, certificate and presentation box
- Estimate
- HK$160,000 - 320,000€18,900 - 37,800$20,500 - 41,000
HK$571,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breguet
- Year
- Circa 1995
- Reference No
- 3237
- Movement No
- 1040
- Case No
- 1105 E
- Material
- 18K yellow gold and lapis lazuli
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 533, 21 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Breguet pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by undated Breguet certificate stamped Marios Christodoulides, Limassol Cyprus, wooden presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present reference 3237 in yellow gold takes the traditional Breguet design to the next level and adds a twist to its dial.
The timepiece is distinguished for its hour and minute ring made of lapis lazuli, a very unusual material for Breguet. The lapis lazuli minute and hour ring feature delicately printed silver Roman numerals. The mesmerizing blue of the lapis lazuli dominates and dictates the look of the entire watch, and the technical achievement of cutting out the solid lapis lazuli wafer in this very particular and unusual shape is simply awestriking. The elegant yellow gold case is further marked by a beautiful layer of patina that has developed on the surface over time, imbuing the timepiece with an enchanting old-world charm.
We are proud to present the second known specimen with this specific dial configuration offered publicly on the auction market. The other known example was offered at The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII in November 2023 and sold for CHF146,050. Bearing close case and movement number proximity to the present lot, the previous example is numbered 1039 on the movement and 1104 E on the dial, indicating that the present lot is the succeeding watch in production to the sold example.
Offered in attractive overall condition, and complete with its full set of box and paper, the present lot is undoubtedly a most charming and exceptionally elusive timepiece epitomizing the timeless appeal of Breguet design.
The timepiece is distinguished for its hour and minute ring made of lapis lazuli, a very unusual material for Breguet. The lapis lazuli minute and hour ring feature delicately printed silver Roman numerals. The mesmerizing blue of the lapis lazuli dominates and dictates the look of the entire watch, and the technical achievement of cutting out the solid lapis lazuli wafer in this very particular and unusual shape is simply awestriking. The elegant yellow gold case is further marked by a beautiful layer of patina that has developed on the surface over time, imbuing the timepiece with an enchanting old-world charm.
We are proud to present the second known specimen with this specific dial configuration offered publicly on the auction market. The other known example was offered at The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII in November 2023 and sold for CHF146,050. Bearing close case and movement number proximity to the present lot, the previous example is numbered 1039 on the movement and 1104 E on the dial, indicating that the present lot is the succeeding watch in production to the sold example.
Offered in attractive overall condition, and complete with its full set of box and paper, the present lot is undoubtedly a most charming and exceptionally elusive timepiece epitomizing the timeless appeal of Breguet design.
Breguet
Swiss | 1775 Established in 1775 by Abraham Louis Breguet, widely considered the greatest watchmaker of all time, the storied brand continues to thrive in the modern era, creating exceptional high-end watches as the Swatch Group's premier prestige brand. Some of the most important and lasting inventions in watchmaking are attributed to Abraham Louis Breguet, including the tourbillon, shock resistance and the use of hammers and gongs employed in nearly all minute repeating watches made since.
Eighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.
Browse MakerEighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.