Breguet

• eight day going rectangular movement with brass plates and going barrel, straight line lever escapement with three-arm balance, bi-metallic compensation curb on the regulator index, quarter repeating on two bells • silver dial with engine-turned to the centre, polished chapter ring, Roman numerals, aperture for moon-phases, blued steel Breguet hands, gold hand for alarm indication, gilt brass dial mask, engraved scroll-work to the corners, engine-turned plaque with polished ovals for winding indication, and signature, rectangular apertures for year indication, day, date and month in French • the case with glazed glass panels, back and front doors flanked by Doric pillars, the frame with floral motifs, bow handle secured by two lions heads, four turned finials, chased bun feet, repeat plunger to the top, pierced base • dial signed Breguet et fils

The clock is running and repeating at the time of cataloguing. Dial in very good condition. Slight scuffs to the gilt brass mask. Some wear to the gilding on the finials and the lions heads. Some small areas of tarnishing to the case. This is a stunning piece in lovely original 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."

The Aldobrandinis were an Italian noble family from Florence with close links to the Vatican. Their Roman fortune were made when Ippolito Aldobrandini became His Holiness Pope Clement VII (1592-1605).
The family name lives on, however, via a branch of the prominent Borghese family, descended from the marriage of Olimpia Aldobrandini with Prince Paolo Borghese in the 17th century. 
Prince Camillo Borghese Aldobrandini (1775 – 1832) was born in Rome, and he is the son of Marcantonio IV Borghese. Marcantonio IV was a well-known supporter of Napoleon and a great protector of the arts who had extensively restored Villa Pinciana, as well as creating the hippodrome of Piazza di Siena and the Gabino Museum. Prince Camillo Aldobrandini entered France's service in 1796. He became the second husband of Napoleon's sister Pauline Bonaparte in 1803. He was made a prince of France in 1804; a troop-commander in the Imperial Guard in 1805 and soon afterwards duke of Guastalla. In 1809 he became commander of 27th and 28th Division of the French Army.
Prince Aldobrandini had a great interest in craftsmanship and fine arts. He took great care of the already famous Borghese collection and was himself an avid collector.
Having such a close connection to Napoléon Bonaparte, it is not astonishing to reveal that a very similar clock was made for General Bonaparte and sold on April 24 1798 for 1500 Francs, and is now exhibited in the Musée National Suisse. This particular example is part of a very small series described in the Breguet archives as 'Pendules à Almanach', this one being referred to as the small model. The first examples made were delivered to important customers of Breguet. No. 178 was sold to Général Bonaparte, No. 2426 sold to Prince Don Antonio, Prince of Spain, No. 2158 sold to Maison de Russie and the present one sold on 9 June 1810 for 2544 Francs to Prince Aldobrandini.
For more information see: Anthony Majanlahti, The Families Who Made Rome, p.180 - 183 and 205
Emmanuel Breguet, Breguet watchmakers since 1775, the life and legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823), p. 225 -228