Breguet

• gilt movement, ruby cylinder escapement, brass escape wheel, balance with parachute suspension and compensation curb • white enamel dial with hairline cracks, blued steel single hand, secret signature and number below 12, Arabic numerals and five minute divisions, signed beneath 6 Breguet et Fils • gold bezels and bow, silver case back • case, dial and movement signed, case stamped B, 1441

Clutton, C. & Daniels, G., The Art of Breguet, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1975, p. 62.

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing however it may benefit from a service soon. Dial with several hairline cracks. Case worn and with scuffs throughout.
"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."

According to the Breguet archives, the present lot was noted as “a Souscription watch, silver case by Joly, sold on April 25^th, 1805 to Mr Aubert for the sum of 600 Francs.”

George Daniels writes in The Art of Breguet, “The cases for these watches were originally in the form of a silver collar, with the back and crystal snapped into thin gold rings forming the bezels.”  He goes on to mention later examples are all gold, “but these seem somehow to lose the simple elegance and delightful proportions of the silver examples.”

Abraham Louis Breguet devised the Souscription watch series to aid the recovery of his business after the French Revolution.  The watches were production pieces for which the client would pay a quarter of the 600 Livres on ordering the watch.  This covered the cost of the materials and then on delivery the client was required to pay the balance.  The first of these was started in 1794 and delivered in 1796.