Breguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 3857
    Movement No: 1752
    Case No: 1854 H
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 556 QPRT, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Breguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Breguet Certificate of Origin stamped Boutique Breguet Paris dated 11th July 2000 and fitted presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    With tremendous heritage and involvement in the world of horology, Breguet is not an unfamiliar name when referring to the historical timeline of mechanical innovations in horology. Believed as the creator for several important components fitted in many watches today, such as the tourbillon escapement innovated for gravitational compensation for enhanced precision, the self-winding perpetual calendar complication and the invention of gongs for repeating wristwatches. Without a doubt, a pioneer in the industry, the firm was founded by Arbraham Louis Breguet in 1775 and since then many believed that they set the foundation and standards for the Swiss watch industry.

    Launched in 1997, the Breguet ref. 3857 was introduced to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the firm. Limitedly produced in various metals including platinum the present watch features all components that were refined and initially innovated by Breguet themselves with a slight modern approach. Housed in a beautiful 3-body case with classic Breguet beveled case bands, the complicated wristwatch features a minute repeater, tourbillon escapement and a perpetual calendar function. Displayed on a traditional Swiss guilloche dial indicating jumping hours and minutes with retrograde date are somewhat contemporary. The beautiful chime generated by two hammers striking against a gong surgically positioned rimming the circumference marks as the important minute repeating mechanism first patented by Breguet in 1783. With all important complications reminiscing the traditional method of execution when they first developed the elements that would change the course of horology in modern times.

    The present example of a Breguet ref. 3857 in yellow gold is an exciting specimen combining three important complications developed and initially patented by the firm. Complete with the original certificate from Breguet and fitted presentation box, this present example is a fantastic opportunity for collectors of complicated watches to acquire a piece horological art by one of the oldest manufacturers in the industry.

  • 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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Σ1077

Ref. 3857
A very fine and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar minute repeater wristwatch with “guilloche” dial, tourbillon escapement, retrograde date, jumping hours, leap year indication, certificate and presentation box

Circa 2000
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$600,000 - 1,000,000 
€68,400-114,000
$76,900-128,000

Sold for HK$1,250,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019