164
Breguet
Ref. 3350
An uber rare and historically important yellow gold tourbillon wristwatch with guilloché dial and certificate of origin
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000€21,500 - 43,100$24,500 - 48,900
CHF78,740
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breguet
- Year
- 1989
- Reference No
- 3350
- Movement No
- No. 05
- Case No
- 4655
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 558, 21 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 35mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Breguet Certificate of Origin and Guarantee dated 3rd July 1989 and stamped "Orologeria Pisa" and product literature.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
On June 26, 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet forever changed the course of horology with his patent for the tourbillon regulator. Designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the escapement, the tourbillon averages positional errors through its rotating cage, significantly improving timekeeping precision. While the invention was patented in 1801, it wasn’t until 1805 that the first commercial examples were introduced. Over two centuries later, the tourbillon remains a cornerstone of haute horology, a testament to Breguet’s genius.
In 1987, Breguet honored this legacy with the introduction of the reference 3350, a model that seamlessly blends classical craftsmanship with modern refinement. Cased in yellow gold, this example exudes a timeless, almost baroque elegance, further enhanced by the ornate filigree decoration on the reverse and the base plate visible beneath the tourbillon. The solid silver dial, adorned with intricate hand-guilloché, features a subtle champagne tone unique to the earliest iterations of the reference. These early examples, such as the present one, lack additional text on the guilloché, a detail that would change in later production runs.
Powered by the Nouvelle Lemania ébauche and shaped by the vision of Daniel Roth, then Master Watchmaker at Breguet, the ref. 3350 reflects the brand’s dedication to traditional watchmaking while hinting at the rise of independent horology. Preserved in excellent condition, this Tourbillon Messidor is a stunning tribute to Breguet’s pioneering spirit and a celebration of the artistry that continues to define the brand. Accompanied by its Certificate of Origin, this historically significant timepiece is a must-have for any discerning collector.
In 1987, Breguet honored this legacy with the introduction of the reference 3350, a model that seamlessly blends classical craftsmanship with modern refinement. Cased in yellow gold, this example exudes a timeless, almost baroque elegance, further enhanced by the ornate filigree decoration on the reverse and the base plate visible beneath the tourbillon. The solid silver dial, adorned with intricate hand-guilloché, features a subtle champagne tone unique to the earliest iterations of the reference. These early examples, such as the present one, lack additional text on the guilloché, a detail that would change in later production runs.
Powered by the Nouvelle Lemania ébauche and shaped by the vision of Daniel Roth, then Master Watchmaker at Breguet, the ref. 3350 reflects the brand’s dedication to traditional watchmaking while hinting at the rise of independent horology. Preserved in excellent condition, this Tourbillon Messidor is a stunning tribute to Breguet’s pioneering spirit and a celebration of the artistry that continues to define the brand. Accompanied by its Certificate of Origin, this historically significant timepiece is a must-have for any discerning collector.
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.