Breguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Breguet
    Year: Circa 2003
    Reference No: 3757BA/1E/9V6
    Movement No: 1181
    Case No: 2837 L
    Model Name: Brevet Du 7 Messidor An 9
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 558.1, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Breguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Breguet certificate stamped Breguet Hong Kong, purchase invoice, instruction manual, product literature, leather holder, setting pin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Breguet has led the way for two of horology’s most desirable complications: the tourbillon and the perpetual calendar. Each tourbillon watch by Breguet features an engraving, “Brevet du 7 Messidor An 9”, or in the Gregorian calendar, June 26th, 1801. After the French Revolution, a new calendar was imposed and it was during this time of political, social, and economic upheaval that Abraham-Louis Breguet first began to work on the concept of the tourbillon years earlier and finally patented it in 1801. Imagine, throughout the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror, the rule of the Directory, Napoleon’s return to France, and the establishment of Napoleon’s Consulate – Breguet was inventing the foundations of horology that are still immensely relevant today.

    The present timepiece combines two formidable horological innovations in an oversized yellow gold case. On the dial, the simple perpetual calendar layout and exposed tourbillon cage is framed by the signature guilloché patterns favored by Breguet. Sitting across the tourbillon toward the top is the hour and minutes indication, further charmed with a retrograde date that is read by a serpentine hand. On the movement, the awe of its impeccable floral scrolls are completely hand-finished will impress the astute collector. Embodying the pinnacle of artistry, innovation of a classic icon, the timepiece is preserved in its “new-old-stock” condition by its original owner. Crisp and stunning, the deployant clasp even retains its factory sticker.

    Please note that the proceeds of the sale of the present watch will be given by the Consignor to various charities.

  • 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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Property from the Original Owner

Σ873

Ref. 3757BA/1E/9V6
A attractive and remarkable “new-old-stock” yellow gold perpetual calendar tourbillon wristwatch with retrograde date, leap year indication, engraved movement, certificate and presentation box

Circa 2003
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 480,000 
€38,400-57,500
$41,000-61,500

Sold for HK$330,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024