Manufacturer: Breguet Year: Circa 1960 Case No: 4808 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 34.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Considered to have established the genetic codes found in timepieces that today are most known to collectors and aficionados, Abraham-Louis Breguet has left a few distinctive key elements to his pieces such as the coined edge cases, hand guilloché dials and "Breguet" hands.
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 an absolute “time capsule”, in incredibly well preserved condition, the engraved numbers on the caseback (4808) are deep and crisp proof that the watch has seen very little wrist time. This timepiece showcases beautiful squared pushers, a very well preserved silvered dial, downturned lugs, and a beautiful blued tachymeter scale. This chronograph further display's Breguet’s signature design elements, such as the "coin-edge" band.
The case is preserved in superlative condition, two deep hallmarks are present, one stamped on the caseback, and another one on the side of the case.
This classically elegant example, with its large well-proportioned case and crisp untouched dial showcases raised Arabic numerals at twelve and six o’clock and baton style hour markers, which give a sense of history and regality to the watch.
This timepiece is a must have for collectors who truly understand and appreciate the works of Abraham-Louis Breguet and how his works shaped the industry we know today.
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.