Breguet et Fils No. 2972 Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1816
This minute-repeating pocket watch, identified as Breguet et Fils No. 2972 and designated as a "Garde Temps," is an 18K gold timepiece. It features a four-body "forme quatre baguettes" case, manufactured by Joly with case number 2072.
The exterior of the case is engine-turned on the back, band, and bezels, and includes a gold detachable cuvette with winding and regulating apertures. The dial is silver, displaying radial Roman numerals on a sanded ring with an engine-turned center and edge, complemented by blued steel Breguet hands. The movement measures 44.3 mm (19 1/2''') and incorporates 11 jewels, a ruby cylinder escapement, a three-arm gilt brass balance, and a "pare-chute" on the top pivot.
The repeating mechanism operates via three hammers on two gongs activated by a pull-and-twist pendant piston. The watch was sold to Prince Rasoumovsky on September 28, 1816.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Minute repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Breguet et Fils
- Case Maker
- Joly
- Escapement
- Ruby cylinder
- Movement Size
- 44.3 mm
- Original Sale Date
- September 28, 1816
- Maker / attribution
- Breguet et Fils
- Repeating Mechanism
- Three hammers on two gongs
Design
- Visible features
- • Silver dial with radial Roman numerals • Engine-turned case decoration • Repeating mechanism with three hammers • Pull-and-twist pendant for repeating function
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is housed in an 18K gold four-body case identified as the "forme quatre baguettes" style. The case, numbered 2072 and credited to the maker Joly, features engine-turned finishings across its back, band, and bezels. It includes a gold detachable cuvette designed with specific apertures for winding and regulating the movement. The silver dial is configured with radial Roman numerals arranged on a sanded ring. The perimeter of the dial and the center are engine-turned, and the time is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands. The dial is signed.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The watch was sold to Prince Andrei Kyrilovich Rasoumovsky on September 28, 1816, The auction records indicate the watch is accompanied by a Breguet certificate. Furthermore, it is noted that Breguet delegated the adjustment process, or "repassage," of this watch to Charles Oudin.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The movement is a 44.3 mm (19 1/2''') caliber containing 11 jewels. It is fitted with a ruby cylinder escapement and a plain three-arm gilt brass balance, which is paired with a blued steel flat balance spring. The movement includes a "pare-chute" device on the top pivot and a compensating curb fixed to the regulator. The minute-repeating function utilizes three hammers striking on two gongs, engaged by a pull-and-twist piston located in the pendant. The mechanism features a continuous surprising piece and a movable star wheel mounted on an all-or-nothing lever.
Identification
- Reference
- Garde Temps
- Serial number
- 2972
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The watch currently requires a movement overhaul
- Research required: Role of Charles Oudin in 'repassage' is a specific historical claim within the notes