An impressive 18ct white gold and diamond-set skeletonized chronograph wristwatch with register
Breguet No. 983 AY, Reference 5238BB/10/9V6 DD00 | Circa 2013
Auction Closed
November 9, 08:49 PM GMT
Estimate
65,000 - 150,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
skeletonised calibre 582 manual winding, lever escapement, 21 jewels, mono-metallic balance, signed and numbered Breguet 983
skeletonized dial, bridges decoratively engraved with scrollwork, satin finished chapter rings for constant seconds, 30-minute register and outer track for minutes/chronograph seconds calibrated for fifths, blued steel Breguet hands and central chronograph seconds, crémaillère borders, two angled cartouches signed and numbered Breguet No. 3269
18ct white gold case, chamfered bezel channel-set with tapered baguette diamonds, case sides channel-set with carré-cut diamonds, lugs channel-set with baguette and tapered baguette diamonds, total 96 baguette-cut diamonds approximately 13 carats, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws, diamond-set pushers and crown, numbered 983 AY
with an 18ct white gold Breguet folding clasp and a Breguet presentation case
Measurements
diameter 40.3mm
depth including crystal 9.8 mm
Accompaniments
with a Breguet 250th anniversary certificate
Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.
In excellent overall condition, this reference 5238BB in white gold belongs to Breguet’s Classique line of wristwatches, a collection that reflects the Maison’s longstanding respect for tradition and fine watchmaking. A large chronograph model, it is distinguished by its refined execution: a skeletonised, hand-decorated dial with hands bearing the characteristic Breguet moon motifs, complemented by a diamond-set case of notable opulence. A total of 96 baguette-cut diamonds, weighing approximately 13 carats, are set across the bezel, case sides, and lugs, integrating the art of gem-setting into the structure of a traditional chronograph complication.
The watch is powered by a manually wound skeletonised movement with a 48-hour power reserve. Its open-worked dial is finely hand-engraved (guilloché à main), with traditional crémaillère framing to the chapters and engraved scrollwork to the bridges. This artisanal technique, long associated with Breguet, produces intricate patterns that enrich the dial with detail and impart a distinctive play of light.