GE1201

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Lot 365
  • 365

Breguet

Estimate
350,000 - 450,000 CHF
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Description

  • A FINE AND ATTRACTIVE LARGE GILT BRASS GRANDE AND PETITE SONNERIE, QUARTER REPEATING CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH CALENDAR, ALARM AND MOON-PHASES NO 3145DELIVERED TO WENHAM 5 JANUARY 1825 FOR 6 000 FRANCS
  • gilt brass
  • height 155 mm, width 111 mm
• rectangular movement with single double ended barrel for going and striking trains, horizontally mounted platform with lateral lever escapement, bi-metallic two-arm compensation balance, parachute on the top pivot, blued steel Breguet balance spring, striking on two gongs • silver guilloché dial, satin-finished chapter ring, Roman numerals, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and alarm setting, fan-form aperture for moon-phases, gilt engine-turned mask with three apertures for day, date and month in French • case with glazed side panels, back and front doors flanked by Doric pillars, the frame engraved with foliate motifs, bow handle hinged within lions heads, repeat button to the top and pull-wind for alarm, ball finials and chased bun feet • dial and movement signed

Condition

The clock is running and repeating at the time of cataloguing. Dial is in its original condition with its original patina that can easily be cleaned out. The gilt case in very good condition with a typical decoration engraved and chiselled from the period. This exceptionnal piece shows a rare and unusual design from the dial and also is in a very well preserved condition.
"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

Accompanied by a later fitted presentation case and key.

Interestingly, the present 'Pendule a Almanach' is part of the large range of models made by Breguet. The design of the travelling clock as we know it today was originally designed by Abraham Louis Breguet. It is interesting to note in their construction how far Breguet was ahead of his time. Out of all carriage clocks made by Breguet, this example is much larger than usual. The craftmanship of both the movement and the case is remarkable. The cost of thiscarriage clock was, at the time, astronomical. It was mostly due to the use of in-house systems for preventing shocks on the escapement and spring balance and other components such as the striking or calendar mechanisms. All these developments, with the combination of a finely chiselled case, lead Breguet to set an astounding price of 6,000  francs whereas a simple watch would cost at the time 500 francs. An identical carriage clock numbered 3347 was sold to Marie Christine de Bourbon Sicile, the Queen of Spain on 20 August 1831, for 6,000 francs.