Breguet

• 17''' jewelled circular nickel lever movement • silvered dial, guilloché centre, Roman numerals to the satin-finished chapter ring, outer minutes track, blued steel Breguet hands, fan-form aperture for moon-phases combined with power reserve, straight line aperture for day, date and month in Spanish • octagonal case, faceted and chamfered bezel, the band inset with three calendar correctors, accented with pink gold borders, hexagonal bow, the reverse with ruby-set monogram • case, dial and movement signed

This watch is in overall good condition with some general wear appropriate for its age. The movement is running, however it would benefit from a service. It is numbered 4708. The plate surrounding the movement is numbered 10546. The dial shows some light spots, light surface scuffs and some discoloration to the outer edge. There are some further spots to the hour ring near III, V and VIII. The calendar wheels seem to have discolored, however they look very good and apropriate for the age of the watch. The case shows light wear and light surface scuffs throughout. The ruby-set monogram to the outside of the back of the watch reads 'JP'. Inside the back, there is an French eagle-head stamp as well as a B within a lozenge stamp. Overall a beautiful and rare watch in very nice 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."

Accompanied by a Breguet certificate dated April 14th 2008 confirming sale on December 11th, 1950.

Through its elegant design and mechanical complexity, this exceptional watch clearly shows the influence of the company's founder, Abraham Louis Breguet (1747-1823). He is to this day regarded as one of the most gifted and inventive horologists. Already a legend within his own lifetime, Breguet received commissions from European royalty, nobility and other distinguished persons.

Breguet's trademark aesthetic is such that pieces from different centuries show a subtle evolution while retaining a number of similarities. Comparing the present lot to Breguet No. 3833, from approximately 1820, and an equally important wristwatch from 1935, Breguet No. 3282 (sold at Sotheby's Geneva, May 15th, 2007, lot 38), demonstrates this consistency of elegant style.

All three of these pieces feature the trademark hands, expert guilloché work, and distinct hour and minute chapter rings that have come to define Breguet's style. Both the present lot and the earlier pocket watch have the distinctive placement of the moon-phase sector at 12 o'clock. When comparing the present lot to the wristwatch, it is interesting to note that both feature unusual placement of the calendar apertures.

It is also interesting to note that the power reserve indication on the present example acts as a register to count passing hours since the last winding. Whereas most power reserves display the remaining number of hours on the mainspring, moving from a higher number to a lower number, the present example inverts this tradition. When the watch is fully wound, the power reserve indicator points at zero, and progresses to 30 as it winds down.

The octagonal shape of the case is especially rare and in our research, we have not found any other examples of similarly shaped pocket watches. Furthermore, the linear, or 'American', calendar display with day, date and month in a straight line is a feature that appears on very few examples from Breguet. The fact that this calendar is in Spanish makes it rarer still. Considering these facts, it is possible that this watch was made as a special order for the original client.