Breguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: Circa 2001
    Reference No: 1801
    Movement No: 1’967
    Case No: 836L; 20/28
    Model Name: Grande Complication Tourbillon 1801-2001
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 557, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Breguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40.5mm diameter
    Signed: Dial, case, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Breguet certificate stamped Boutique Breguet dated 29th March 2001, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    On June 26, 1801, a momentous horological event occurred when Abraham-Louis Breguet was issued a patent for his tourbillon regulator. The history of time has always centered on precision timekeeping, and watchmakers over the centuries have developed means to combat the multitude of factors affecting it, including temperature and magnetism, position and gravity. Breguet sought to minimize gravity’s effects when he observed it greatly influenced the delicate workings of the heart of the watch, the escapement. The tourbillon is a rotating cage within which the escapement is mounted. As it rotates, the positional errors of the movement are averaged out improving the overall precision of the watch. While the patent was issued in 1801, it was not until 1805 that commercialized examples became available, and it has remained over the last 200 years very much the same as when Breguet first revealed it.

    The Grande Complication Tourbillon 1801-2001 was introduced in 2001 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the invention of the tourbillon by Breguet. Sporting a half-hunter case, the timepiece is reminiscent of traditional pocket watches, while the transparent case back reveals the cal. 557, designed with the specifications from the original patent documents by Breguet. Further exemplary of the maison’s distinctive aesthetics is the Breguet hands and Roman numerals on a white grand feu enamel, the dial is further painted “1801 – 2001”.

    The present example in pink gold is a rarity among 21st century timepieces. Preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by its original accessories, the timepiece showcases both exceptional craftsmanship and mechanical innovation.

  • 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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971

Ref. 1801
A very fine and rare limited edition pink gold tourbillon wristwatch with half hunter case, white grand feu enamel dial, certificate and presentation box, numbered 20 of a limited edition of 28 pieces, made to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s invention of the tourbillon

Circa 2001
40.5mm diameter
Dial, case, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 280,000 
€21,000-32,700
$23,100-35,900

Sold for HK$381,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023