Breguet Silver Napoleonic Era Pocket Watch Clock
Breguet Silver Napoleonic Era Pocket Watch Clock
This rare and superb Napoleonic era pocket watch is signed 'Breguet a Paris' from between 1790-1800-1810 and is a style of more common verge watch made by Abraham Louis Breguet similar to the one that Queen Marie Antoinette had delivered to her during imprisonment. (see last image)
The sterling silver stamped case of 55 mm, with coin edges, original near mint enamel dial with Breguet numerals, and original Breguet steel hands, lovely crystal with few scratches. The verge fusee movement is running well. Like most verge movements, it tends to run fast, has a habit of stopping when fully wound, and does not stop when warmed up in the hand, so the spring could probably use some cleaning, etc. Dial has a tiny chip at the centre hole edge and at the 2:30 edge, where the secondary silencer sits.
The amazing thing about this rare example is that it has two springs, one for the movement and another one for the chime; it can be set with an outside switch at 10:30 but also inside the case at 2:30 to chime the hour and a half hours, or set to silent. It also repeats when you lightly touch the button on top of the crown. Has a good loud, sweet bell. See videos.
The stunning quality of the watch, apart from the original case, dial, and hands, is the gilt brass movement. Size #9 key included. Chain not included unless discussed.
The serial inside the back is stamped with case number 11189, and the hand-engraved number is 9983, with the silver marking T13. Hard to read.
Watches are not my area of expertise, but I am happy to try and answer any questions.
Last image: George Daniels, The Art of Breguet, 1975. Fig 91a – c, p. 150.