BREGUET NO.2519. A BURR ELM REPEATING GRANDE SONNERIE CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH ALARM, PARIS, CIRCA 1810 |

3¼-inch enamel dial signed Breguet, blued steel Breguet hands, steel alarm hand, strike/silent and strike selection levers at 10 and 2, the milled bezel with bevelled glass and concealing the single winding square, the substantial two-train movement with single tandem spring barrel, the large gilt platform with plain three-arm balance to the Robin double lift escapement, grande sonnerie striking on two rod gongs, the cadrature mounted on the backplate, pull-wound alarm, push repeat, signed on the integral movement stand Breguet et Fils, No.2519, alarm bell mounted below, the rectangular case with brass carrying handle, sliding back panel, moulded base and brass bun feet, the front with a signed and numbered oval plaque, the whole veneered in richly figured wood

Count Lanza di Mazzarino and thence by descent to the current owner.

Dial is dirty and has some minor surface scratches but otherwise good. Movement is complete but dirty and not running at time of cataloguing, it needs cleaning and service. Case has damage to front and top glasses, minor losses to top edges of rear panel, other old minor scuffs and marks throughout, brass handle and feet are dirty, the veneer is a wonderful rich colour that will benefit from a light clean. No winder.
"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."

Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) is regarded as having been one of the most important watch a clock makers. An innovative horologist, he trained initially in Switzerland before moving to Paris in 1862 where he completed an apprenticeship. Renowned for the high quality of his work, Breguet was highly sought-after by European Royalty and nobility and his watches and clocks can be found in some of the most important collections in the world. This fine carriage clock demonstrates the typical features of Breguet's work in its innovative single tandem barrel, beautiful exposed striking work, Robin escapement and elegant case. By the time Breguet died in 1823 his son had joined him in the business which by then had become Breguet et Fils.  The great English horologist George Daniels greatly admired Breguet and in his book, The Art of Breguet, 1973, he describes and illustrates the escapement used in this clock on page 320.