Breguet

• cal. 558 SQ manual winding finely engraved skeletonised lever movement, 21 jewels, one-minute tourbillon carriage with mono-metallic compensation balance • skeletonised dial, eccentric silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals, blued steel Breguet hands, sector calibrated for 20-second intervals • platinum case with coin-edge band, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Breguet buckle

Manual winding movement and tourbillon running while cataloguing, although sector calibrated for 20-second intervals is not running and would require a service. The skeletonised dial is clean and looks great. Case and buckle with scuffs, lugs with scratches, but this can be polished. Overall the watch appears in good condition. Some scuffs to the presentation case and the outer cardboard box has wear and some tears to it. A rare and collectible model.
"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."

Accompanied by a green leather Breguet folder containing a Certificate of Origin and instruction booklet, together with a green wooden presentation case and card outer box.

Originally an attempt to improve accuracy, the tourbillon is considered one of the most challenging of all horological complications. Invented in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, a tourbillon counters the effects of gravity by mounting the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage in order to negate the effect of gravity when the timepiece, and thus the escapement, is moved. At the time of the tourbillon's invention, gravity and movement were known to have an adverse effect on the accuracy of timepieces. The prevailing theory amongst horologists of the time was that pocket watches suffered from the effects of gravity since they were usually carried in the same pocketed position and then held in a different position while being read, thereby affecting their accuracy. In a tourbillon, the entire escapement assembly rotates, including the balance wheel, the escape wheel, the hairspring, and the pallet fork, in order to average out the effect of gravity in the different positions.