Breguet

Estimate

15,000 - 25,000 CHF

Sold

48,750 CHF

bidding is closed

Description

AN EARLY GOLD AND SILVER SOUSCRIPTION WATCH
NO 3233 SOLD TO MONSIEUR LE DUC D' ARGYLE 30 SEPTEMBER 1818 FOR 678 FRANCS
yellow gold and silver

• gilt movement, cylinder escapement, steel escape wheel, balance with parachute suspension and bi-metallic compensation curb • white enamel dial, blued steel single hand, secret signature and number below 12, Breguet numerals, five minute divisions • gold bezels and bow, engine-turned silver case • case, dial and movement signed

Catalogue Note

The Earls, Marquesses, and Dukes of Argyll were for several centuries among the most powerful, if not the most powerful and noble family in Scotland. As such, they played a major role in Scottish history.
George William Campbell, 6th Duke of Argyll (1768-1839) was known to several owners of Breguet watches.
The Prince of Wales, later Prince Regent and finally King George IV, was possibly one of Breguet's most loyal and prolific customers. The 6th Duke and the Prince of Wales were close friends and as a result the Duke was counselor to the prince Regent from 1811 to 1820. It was while accompanying the Prince Regent to Paris in the autumn of 1818 that the Duke was introduced to Breguet for the first time. He subsequently bought this Souscription watch and the Prince Regent also purchased two other Breguet watches at the same time.