Manufacturer: Breguet Year: 1939 Movement No: 4169 Case No: 4169 caseback further stamped 53296 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 32.5mm Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Breguet Certificate confirming the sale of the present watch on December 25, 1939 to Monsieur Beltrami for the amount of 3,200 French Francs.
Catalogue Essay
It is incredible how Breguet timepieces from the ones created directly by the great Abraham-Louis to vintage pieces from the first half of the 20th century share the same aura of elegance and sophistication. Whereas the larger collector community is more aware of the iconic Type XX military chronograph 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 from 1939, and showcases Breguet’s incomparable design acumen with well- preserved stainless steel case with olive chronograph pushers, rare black (as confirmed by the Breguet Extract) glossy sector dial and delightful powder pink print.
The watch was most probably a wonderful Christmas present as it was delivered on Dec 25, 1939 to Monsieur Beltrami for the amount of 3,200 French Francs.
An example preserved in very attractive condition with a cavalcade of details that tick all the boxes for the discerning collector the present Breguet Chronograph presents a rare opportunity for amateurs of vintage chronographs.
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.