GE1201

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Lot 363
  • 363

Breguet

Estimate
70,000 - 100,000 CHF
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Description

  • A FINE AND RARE YELLOW GOLD AND SILVER MONTRE A TACT WATCH SOLD TO S.A. PRINCE GALITZINE AIDE DE CAMPS DE S.M. L'EMPEREUR DE TOUTES LES RUSSIES ON 18 APRIL 1823 FOR 2 600 FRANCSNO 3999
  • yellow gold and silver
  • diameter 44 mm
• gilt movement, cylinder escapement, parachute suspension, blued steel anchor regulation • signed and numbered gold cuvette • silvered guilloché eccentric dial, satin-finished chapter ring with Russian numerals, blued steel moon hands, aperture for date with fine gold arrow • engine-turned case, engraved with a family crest to the centre, touch pieces to the band, gold arrow •  dial and cuvette signed, case marker's mark T (Tavernier) • attached double link chain with gold key

Condition

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing and the date advancing. Tarnished chapter ring with slight scuffs. The engine-turning to the case is worn.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Prince Galitzine, the son of general-lieutenant Prince Mikhail Mikhailovitch Galitzine and Baroness Anna Alexandrovna Stroganov, inherited a vast fortune from his mother of which he gave a significant portion to charity. He extended his help and protection to many orphans, continuing this aid long after they had reached adulthood and assisting many who wished to attend university. Altruistic, charitable, affable and compassionate, he was much appreciated in society and was a particular favourite of Empress Maria Feodorovna, with whom he regularly corresponded.
The Prince was introduced to A.–L. Breguet  because he developed a long and profitable relationship with the Russian ruling family, securing an imperial warrant as watchmaker to the tsar and to the navy. Breguet, then named 
"watch-maker of kings and the king of watch-makers", featured in Russian literature. Pushkin and Kuprin noted the company's prestigious history as well as the refinement and technical qualities of its products.

For more information please refer to Emmanuel Breguet, Breguet watchmakers since 1775, the life and legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823), p. 214-219