US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
149
Breguet
"Jump Hour"
An early, very rare and attractive white gold Art Deco square-shaped jump hour wristwatch
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000€21,600 - 43,200$25,100 - 50,200
CHF76,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Breguet
- Year
- 1928
- Movement No
- 1262
- Case No
- 1262
- Model Name
- "Jump Hour"
- Material
- 18k white gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 10’’’, 18 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 26mm square
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Breguet Extract of the Archives confirming it's sale on January 18th 1928 to Mr Haitas.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Abraham-Louis Breguet secured his place in horological history through groundbreaking innovations that continue to shape watchmaking today. While the jump hour mechanism is credited to Austrian engineer Josef Pallweber in 1883, this remarkable Breguet jump hour wristwatch from 1926 is an incredibly rare example that feels surprisingly modern in both design and execution.
The jump hour offered a novel way to tell time, replacing the traditional hour hand with a numerical display that “jumps” at the turn of each hour. While briefly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, jump hours saw a revival during the Art Deco era, particularly in the 1920s. Eminent watchmakers such as Breguet, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin explored the format—though production remained limited and interest faded after the Great Depression and WWII, not returning until the 1990s.
The present example is a beautifully preserved piece of early 20th-century watchmaking. Its square case with elegant wire lugs offers a refined, slim profile. Unusually, the hour aperture is positioned at 6 o’clock, a rare layout even among jump hours. A soft, even patina has developed on the case, telling the story of a watch that’s been carefully cherished for nearly a century. Confirmed by Breguet's extract of archives as sold in 1928 to Monsieur Haïtas, and with only around 50 jump hour watches believed to have been produced by the brand in the 20th century, this is a rare and coveted piece for the discerning collector.
The jump hour offered a novel way to tell time, replacing the traditional hour hand with a numerical display that “jumps” at the turn of each hour. While briefly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, jump hours saw a revival during the Art Deco era, particularly in the 1920s. Eminent watchmakers such as Breguet, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin explored the format—though production remained limited and interest faded after the Great Depression and WWII, not returning until the 1990s.
The present example is a beautifully preserved piece of early 20th-century watchmaking. Its square case with elegant wire lugs offers a refined, slim profile. Unusually, the hour aperture is positioned at 6 o’clock, a rare layout even among jump hours. A soft, even patina has developed on the case, telling the story of a watch that’s been carefully cherished for nearly a century. Confirmed by Breguet's extract of archives as sold in 1928 to Monsieur Haïtas, and with only around 50 jump hour watches believed to have been produced by the brand in the 20th century, this is a rare and coveted piece for the discerning collector.
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.
Browse MakerEighteenth 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.