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62

Breguet

A fine and rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with sector dial and "olive" pushers

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000
€64,900 - 130,000
$73,500 - 147,000
CHF88,900
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Breguet
Year
1938
Movement No
4094
Case No
4094
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 13''', 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Alligator
Clasp/Buckle
18k yellow gold buckle
Dimensions
33.5mm diameter
Signed
Dial signed, case dial and movement numbered 4094
Accessories
A Breguet Certificate has been requested but has not arrived at time of going to print. Please check the online catalogue for updates.
Catalogue Essay
Considered the progenitor of watchmaking as we know it today, Abraham-Louis Breguet has long been considered the greatest watchmaker of all time - from his mechanical innovations, to his fresh design codes and even way of running a business, his influence goes beyond his lifetime and is often referenced today in modern times. Certain design cues are so embedded in the DNA of a watch manufacture that it is hardly necessary to print the name on the dial. Such is the case with Breguet, who, since 1775, has artfully utilized the combination of aesthetic traits and technical prowess to create watches unlike any other.

Whereas the larger collector community today is more aware of the iconic Type XX military chronographs launched in the 1950s (and still in production today), Breguet’s earliest chronograph wristwatches can be traced back to the early 1930s and are extremely sought after amongst collectors.

The present example is an absolute delight and is offered in incredibly well-preserved condition. Most notably, the number "4094" is printed on the dial and engraved on both the case and movement, meaning that all components of the watch match and were together. While dating to the 1930s, it completely exhibits Breguet's traditional design codes with its coin edged case and crown. The sector dial and olive pushers add much beloved 1930s flair.

Breguet is one of the rare brands that is immediately recognizable upon a glance, and the present watch - with its elegance and distinct style - is no exception.

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.
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