Breguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: 1978
    Movement No: 2632
    Case No: 996
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2632, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Width
    Signed: Dial and movement signed, case numbered
    Accessories: Accompanied By Breguet certificate confirming production of the present watch in 1978

  • Catalogue Essay

    During the 1970s, with the advent of the Quartz crisis, Swiss watchmakers began to explore creative ways of creating new wristwatches. Manufacturers pushed the boundaries of design, producing "funky" and unusual pieces that the market had not seen before.

    The present watch was conceived during an interesting time in the brand's history. In 1970, the manufacture was acquired by Jacques and Pierre Chaumet, and in 1975, was subsequently handed over to Francois Bodet who was tasked with developing the brand.

    The tonneau-shaped case and grené dial is completely different from Breguet's usual designs, and looks completely modern by today's standards. Research shows that approximately 20 were made, making the present example an incredibly rare specimen.

  • Artist Biography

    Breguet

    Swiss • 1775

    Established in 1775 by Abraham Louis Breguet, widely considered the greatest watchmaker of all time, the storied brand continues to thrive in the modern era, creating exceptional high-end watches as the Swatch Group's premier prestige brand. Some of the most important and lasting inventions in watchmaking are attributed to Abraham Louis Breguet, including the tourbillon, shock resistance and the use of hammers and gongs employed in nearly all minute repeating watches made since.

    Eighteenth and nineteenth century Breguet pocketwatches are especially sought-after by collectors, and many of them were made for the elite of European society, including Napoléon and Marie Antoinette. Key wristwatches from the twentieth century include oversized dress watches, two-register chronographs, triple calendars and Type XX aviator's chronographs made for the French military and civilians.

    View More Works

271

A rare stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds and date

1978
36.5mm Width
Dial and movement signed, case numbered

Estimate
CHF5,000 - 7,000 
€4,300-6,000
$5,300-7,400

Sold for CHF11,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018