Breguet - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: 1955
    Movement No: 1772
    Case No: B1772
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, Cal. 13''', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Dial signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    It is bewildering to think that over 200 years ago, Abraham-Louis Breguet established the genetic codes found in timepieces that today both bear his name and that of many Swiss brands. The present lot is a perfect example of Breguet’s legacy with its coin edge case, stunning hand guilloché dial, and “pomme” hands. Not only is the present lot in spectacular condition but its movement is somewhat the equivalent of a Formula 1 race car engine. Based on a Peseaux 260, it has undergone painstaking finish. The Peseaux 260 was made from about 1944 to 1967 in approximately 3300 pieces and designed specifically to compete in observatory chronometer trials as conducted in Geneva and Neuchatel. So exceptional was this movement that it was used by many different brands in order to compete in these widely watched timing competitions. According to Breguet’s archives, the present watch was sold to « Les Textiles Artificiels" on 25 April 1955. The present lot is a spectacular example of Breguet's exquisite style, made during an era when Breguet was concentrating its efforts on producing Type XX chronographs for the French naval forces. Accordingly, it’s exceptionally rare – one of a very small number of dress watches made by Breguet in the 1950s, making it a superb addition for the connoisseur.

  • 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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An attractive and rare yellow gold wristwatch with guilloché dial

1955
35mm. Diameter
Dial signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€18,400-27,500
$20,600-30,900

Sold for CHF52,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016