BREGUET ET FILS | A FINE SILVER "GARDE-TEMPS" POCKET CHRONOMETER WITH SHORT CHAINCIRCA 1823, NO.3878

• Movement: 23''' gilt-brass ¾ plate, the back plate partially cut away to accommodate the barrel, spring detent escapement, large two-arm Earnshaw type bi-metallic balance with moveable wedge-shaped weights and timing nuts, blued steel helical spring, ruby endstone, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, fusee pipe for winding square, gilt metal bayonet fitted cuvette, movement and cuvette signed and numbered Breguet et Fils Hor'gers de la Marine Royale, no.3878• Dial: silver, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, large subsidiary seconds at 12 o'clock, blued steel moon hands, signed Breguet et Fils• Case: silver, polished covers, gold hinges, large silver bow, case maker's mark LJ (Louis Joly), signed and numbered B, no.3878 additionally numbered 343• Chain: with a short silver chain and key

Movement: not running but blanace does appear to be free. Dial: has been cleaned in the past and with tarnishing and a little dirty. Case: with some scratches around the bezel and light scuffs to back, case tarnished.
"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."

Accompanied with a Breguet certificate dated 26 August 2019 recording the sale of No. 3878 to Monsieur Princepré on 29 August 1823 for 1,360 Francs. In his book ‘The Art of Breguet’ (1975), Dr George Daniels notes that this type of Garde Temps pocket chronometer was produced to meet the demand for an “economically priced precision watch” (see op. cit. p.74). Owing much to the design of English deck watches, the movement has a fusee and Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement and balance with sliding weights. The decoration and layout concentrates on a utilitarian design that focuses first and foremost on the watch’s function as a highly accurate, portable timekeeper that could be easily transported from one place to another and was ideal for use on board a ship. 

For a similar example see: Sotheby's Geneva 10th November 2015, lot 151 and Antiquorum Geneva, The Art of Breguet, 14 April 1991, lot 59