Breguet

• gilt movement with lever escapement, Arnold-type compensation balance with adjustment by threaded weights, spiral steel spring with regulator • white enamel dial with hairline cracks, arabic numerals, blued steel Breguet hands with jump hour, eccentric subsidiary seconds dial • movement ring signed Breguet a Paris No 44, plain polished consular case stamped 2324 with French hallmarks for AG below a star for Amy Gros.

Monsieur Desmotte
Cecil Clutton Collection.

 

Cecil Clutton, Collectors' Collection, No.21.

Clutton & Daniels, Watches, plate V,A.

George Daniels, The Art of Breguet, p. 147 fig 85 a-c.

Movement running but requires cleaning. Cracks to the dial with chips around the winding hole. The crack radiate from the winding hole. Case in good condition, with light scuffs.
"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 certificate from the Breguet archives which states that the watch was sold to Monsieur Desmotte in April 1792 for the price of 1,452 francs.

In 1791 Breguet produced a series recorded as 'Répétition nouveau calibre'. These were designed by Breguet to suit his own requirements. Only two were known to Dr. Daniels at the time of writing 'The Art of Breguet' in 1975, these were Nos. 44 and 51. Both are ten-minute repeaters and were Breguet's own development of the mechanism invented by Englishman Matthew Stogden. The mechanism is reduced therefore leaving ample room additional complications Breguet might have wished to introduce.

George Daniels, The Art of Breguet, p.67.