34,500 CHF
A Monsieur ... Watch No. 1436, sold on 10 Vendémiaire an 13 ( 2 October 1804), for the sum of 840 Francs. Gold "souscription" watch. Notes History: When originally sold in 1804, the register was simply marked Vendue à Mr............... It was however returned for overhaul by a Mme de Neuchaise on 9 June 1837, bought back from her on 16 inst. of the same month and then completely restored for the new buyer, a certain Mr. P. Niaudet. Note: In the Notice, published in approximately 1796, to launch the souscription, Breguet pointed out that although watches destined for marine or astronomical use, had reached a high degree of perfection, those destined for civil use were of mediocre quality. Furthermore, as the best quality watches were too highly priced for the average buyer, he concluded that the market would readily accept a good quality product sold for a reasonable sum. Such a watch should be distinguished by its simplicity, be properly protected against shock damage, and designed in such a way that the wheel-train, escapement and the regulator (balance, balance spring and temperature compensation) were all accessible and capable of being overhauled or repaired by any competent watchmaker. The result was a watch of an entirely novel conception, both simple and functional, and certainly the first true Usually in silver, with the gold rims being the only decoration, the souscription watches were of a large diameter allowing the enamel dial to be divided in such a way
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1991-04-14
