Breguet - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 3470
    Movement No: 6959
    Case No: 1385
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 502, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Breguet clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) was considered one of the leading watch makers of his day, and even in the modern era he is widely considered one of the greatest horologists of all times. His technical skills and innovations changed the world of horology with inventions such as the tourbillon, used to counter the effects of gravity on the movement, or the Montre à tact, a watch constructed with knobs to the outside of the case, so a discreet gentleman could tell time without looking at his watch and appearing impolite. The firm remained in the family’s control until the late 19th century when Breguet’s great-grandson Louis Antoine (1851-1882) passed away. He hired English watchmaker Edward Brown to manage the Paris factory and upon Antoine’s death, Brown retained control of the firm. Following Brown’s death in 1895, his sons continued to lead the brand, however it changed hands again in the 1970s and 1980s, with the Swatch Group finally acquiring it in 1999. Over the last 100 years, Breguet has remained true to the tenets of their founder, producing watches that not only have a classic appeal, but are technical marvels.

    The present platinum perpetual calendar equation of time wristwatch is a superb modern timepiece featuring some of the most prestigious complications the brand specializes in today. The dial, with its equation of time indication, simultaneously displays both “true” solar time as defined by nature and the “mean” solar time as recognized by man – reflecting the true position of the sun versus mean time standardized for civilians. An impressive mechanical micro-computer with exquisite finishing throughout, the equation of time mechanism is linked to the perpetual calendar complication, making the equation of time indication accurate to the exact day. Preserved in excellent overall condition, this reference 3470 is a highly complicated watch that exudes elegance, rooted to an earlier time that today many have forgotten - a period of state-of-the-art mechanical technology from a non-computerized era.

  • 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.

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Ο57

Ref. 3470
An extremely fine and very rare platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch with power reserve and equation of time

Circa 2000
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$20,000 - 30,000 
CHF19,900-29,900
€17,400-26,100
HK$157,000-235,000

Sold for $26,250

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018