Manufacturer: Breguet Year: Circa 1950 Reference No: 537 Model Name: Classique Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Mechanical Bracelet/Strap: Black Breguet crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Breguet buckle Dimensions: 34.5 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
This yellow gold wristwatch, manufactured in the early 1940s, demonstrates Breguet’s ideal aesthetics and elegant lines.
It was very rare for Breguet to produce fine yellow gold watches during the war years. Research suggests that no more than a few dozen yellow gold wristwatches left the Breguet factory during this period. In contrast, the market has seen a number of 'Type XX' chronographs, which is fitting since many time pieces during the 1940s and 1950s were produced for specific, military purposes.The dial is finely engine-turned and features black Roman numerals on a polished chapter ring that captures the classic Breguet look. 'Pomme' hands furthermore finish off the watch, which today is a defining feature of Breguet's production line.
The present watch is offered in well preserved condition with a strong eagle's head hallmark to the case back and band. The case back furthermore displays clear and legible numbers.
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.