BREGUET | RARE AND EARLY GILT BRASS AND MAHOGANY EIGHT DAY DOUBLE-BOXED MARINE CHRONOMETER WITH TWIN BARRELS, SOLD TO FIRST CAPTAIN CHARLES BAUDIN FOR 2'000 FRANCS CIRCA 1815

Dial: silvered matteCaliber: openwork brass, detente escapementCase: inner Mahogany box with spring arms, outer box with rectangular gimbal, sliding apertureCase number: 104Dimensions: outer box 30.5 x 29.2 x 29.2 cm, inner box 16.5 x 16.5 x 11 cmSigned: case and dialAccessories: Breguet certificate and numbered key

MVT: Running at the time of cataloguing. Up down indication running down, but not accurately. CASE: wooden case with damage and pieces of veneer missing. Cracks throughout. The glass to the top of the case with corrosion. The lid also does not sit flush to the sides of the case. Outer protective case with similar distress, some cracks to the veneer and veneer missing in some instances. The gimbal support is broken and will not support the watch safely. DIAL: with some oxidation and discoloration but good overall condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Breguet’s earliest marine chronometers are numbered 104 (the present lot), 105, and 106. Until the present lot was discovered, No. 106, sold at Sotheby’s New York, May 2018, was thought to be the only survivor. Numbers 104 and 105 were originally sold in 1817 and 1818 respectively, for 2000 Francs, whereas 106 was sold in 1816, despite the numbering sequence. Work on the chronometers was believed to have started prior to Breguet’s exile to Switzerland in 1793. The box of 104 differs in construction to the other examined early chronometer, 106, which is more in kind with the work of English watchmaker John Arnold. Indeed, like many of Arnold’s marine chronometers, 106 is housed in an octagonal mahogany box, (see Sotheby’s London, The George Daniels Horological Collection 6, November 2012, lot 101). The present lot, 104, is in a large, double mahogany box with rectangular gimbals, and is more like Breguet’s pieces finished later, (see George Daniels, The Art of Breguet 1974, p. 274 illustration 339a). Nevertheless, the movements of both chronometers are strikingly similar, and still retain strong influence from Arnold. The balance echoes those constructed by Ferdinand Berthoud, with four arms and semicircular weights secured by what appear to be gold and platinum screws. It can be presumed that as this chronometer was sold later, the box was likely finished later, and with more experimentation from Breguet himself and therefore not in an octagonal box similar to Arnold’s style.

In 1815, Breguet received the title of Horologer de La Marine. Shortly thereafter, he sold No. 106, and shortly thereafter 104 and 105.  From 1818, Breguet’s production of marine chronometers was well under way.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time chronometer No. 104 has appeared to public market, and may be the only opportunity to acquire Breguet’s lowest numbered marine chronometer, a true relic of horological history.