80,500 CHF
A Monsieur André Becker Breguet, No. 1481, sold to Monsieur André Becker on 1 Germinal an 13 (March 22, 1805) for 864 francs. Very fine and large 20K gold souscription pocket watch, in exceptionally good condition, which was chosen to represent Breguet's achievements at the Centennial Exhibition held at Paris' Palais Galliéra in October 1923. Accompanied by original Desoutter box, gold Breguet key and short gold chain. Three-body, No. 1042, by master casemaker Joly, "forme quatre baguettes", engine turned, reeded band, rose gold bezels, loose ring. White enamel, by master dialmaker Borel, No. 87, secret signature below 12, Breguet numerals, outer minute track with five minute divisions. Blued steel Breguet hand with notched sleeve. Notes This watch is unusual due to its large size and its 20 karat gold case. Most “souscriptions” were cased in silver or silver and gold, with the rarer gold watches in 18K gold. A rare two-tone effect is created by the combination of the yellow gold case with rose gold bezels. The watch is preserved in particularly good condition, with crisp engine-turning, an almost mint movement and dial. For these reasons this watch was chosen to represent Breguet’s achievements at the prestigious Centennial Exhibition at the Palais Galliéra in Paris in October 1923. It was listed as no. 237 in the catalogue. Souscription Watches These watches, called “souscription” because they were ordered by subscription, with a quarter of the price payable upon
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-11-14
