Breguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: 1941
    Reference No: 4296
    Movement No: 4296
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 253, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial signed; caseback and movement stamped with No. 4296.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Breguet Certificate confirming the sale of the present wristwatch to Monsieur Gaffé on 17 May 1941 for the amount of 6,800 Francs.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Certain design cues are so imbedded 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, have artfully utilized the combination of a guilloché dial, blued steel “pomme” hands, and delicate Roman numerals on so many of their iconic pieces. The present lot is no different, a stunningly simple execution of these aesthetic traits cased in a beautifully well-preserved yellow gold case with coin-edge detailing.

    Breguet’s production of wristwatches during the 1930s and 1940s was very limited, owing to the aftermath of the Great Depression followed by the ravages of World War II. It is likely that barely a handful of gold wristwatches were manufactured and delivered during this time, leading one to assume that the delivery of this timepiece on May 17th, 1941, with German forces occupying much of France, was an exceptional occurrence.

  • Artist Biography

    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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199

Ref. 4296
A fine, very rare, and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with two-tone silver guilloché dial

1941
35mm Diameter
Dial signed; caseback and movement stamped with No. 4296.

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€26,700-44,500
$30,200-50,400

Sold for CHF43,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019