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852

Breguet

Ref. 3601

A well-preserved and unworn white gold and baguette diamond-set wristwatch with Clous de Paris guilloché dial, alarm, center seconds and date

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000
€22,100 - 44,200
$25,600 - 51,300
HK$635,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Breguet
Year
Circa 2003
Reference No
3601
Case No
2864 E
Material
18K white gold and diamonds
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 579, 19 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
18K white gold Breguet deployant clasp
Dimensions
40mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Swatch Group (Hong Kong) service paper dated 25 October 2007.
Catalogue Essay
The Breguet ref. 3601 is a rare and exceptional timepiece that exemplifies Breguet’s enduring legacy of innovation, elegance, and craftsmanship. This reference is seldom seen in the market, with its last recorded public appearance at auction in 2006. Its long absence from public view has only added to its mystique and desirability. Set with approximately 12.10 carats of square, baguette, triangular and round reverse-cut diamonds, the watch transforms a technical complication into a brilliant expression of haute horlogerie.

In terms of functionality, it shares the same mechanical alarm complication as the earlier ref. 3600, but offers a more refined and luxurious interpretation. The crown positioned near two o’clock allows the wearer to activate or deactivate the alarm, while the crown at four o’clock is used to set the alarm time. The dial features intricate Clous de Paris guilloché, with two diamond-shaped indexes that elegantly indicate the alarm time. The inner index marks the hour, and the outer index indicates the minute, providing both clarity and sophistication.

Offered for the first time at Phillips, what truly distinguishes the Ref. 3601 is its seamless integration of horological ingenuity and high jewellery artistry. It is not merely a timekeeping instrument, but a wearable masterpiece that reflects the pinnacle of Breguet’s design philosophy. Presented in excellent condition, the watch is paired with its original black leather strap, which offers a subtle contrast to the brilliance of the diamond-set case. This thoughtful pairing enhances the overall balance of the piece, making it a coveted treasure for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

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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