Breguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: Circa 1960
    Case No: 4808
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Considered to have established the genetic codes found in timepieces that today are most known to collectors and aficionados, Abraham-Louis Breguet has left a few distinctive key elements to his pieces such as the coined edge cases, hand guilloché dials and "Breguet" hands.

    Whereas the larger collector community is more aware of the iconic Type XX military chronograph launched in the 1950s (and still in production today) Breguet’s earliest chronograph wristwatches can be traced back to the early 1930s and are extremely sought after amongst collectors.

    The present example is an absolute “time capsule”, in incredibly well preserved condition, the engraved numbers on the caseback (4808) are deep and crisp proof that the watch has seen very little wrist time.
    This timepiece showcases beautiful squared pushers, a very well preserved silvered dial, downturned lugs, and a beautiful blued tachymeter scale. This chronograph further display's Breguet’s signature design elements, such as the "coin-edge" band.

    The case is preserved in superlative condition, two deep hallmarks are present, one stamped on the caseback, and another one on the side of the case.

    This classically elegant example, with its large well-proportioned case and crisp untouched dial showcases raised Arabic numerals at twelve and six o’clock and baton style hour markers, which give a sense of history and regality to the watch.

    This timepiece is a must have for collectors who truly understand and appreciate the works of Abraham-Louis Breguet and how his works shaped the industry we know today.

  • 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 incredibly well preserved and rare yellow gold chronograph with blue tachymeter scale

Circa 1960
34.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€46,300-92,600
$54,500-109,000

Sold for CHF100,800

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020