Breguet Exhibition Tourbillon Watch No. 1991
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1986
Maker / issuer
BreguetThis gold keyless pocket chronometer, identified as movement number 1991, was produced specifically for a series of international Breguet exhibitions held in 1986 across London, Geneva, Paris, New York, Brussels, and Zurich.
The watch features an 18-karat gold, three-piece bassine et filets case with an engine-turned pattern and a reeded band. It is equipped with a one-minute tourbillon, a thermometer, and a winding indicator. The silver engine-turned dial displays Roman numerals, gold Breguet hands, and subsidiary seconds, alongside gold-inlaid sectors for the centigrade thermometer and a 48-hour power reserve scale. The movement is a 22-ligne, half-plate gilt brass caliber, signed by Breguet, which utilizes a lateral lever escapement, 19 jewels, and a free-sprung blued-steel spiral balance spring.
A polished steel three-arm cage houses the tourbillon, which is driven by the minute wheel. The watch measures 56 mm in diameter.
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
- Tourbillon pocket chronometer
- Maker
- Breguet
- Diameter
- 56 mm
- Case Material
- 18ct gold
- Complications
- One minute tourbillon, thermometer, winding indicator
- Movement Number
- 1991
- Production Year
- 1986
- Maker / attribution
- Breguet
- Movement Maker Mark
- T. Engel
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features 'à decor de vannerie' engine-turning. • Dial incorporates two gold-inlaid functional scales. • Movement utilizes fausses côtes decorative finish. • Pendant crown serves dual winding function.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 22-ligne, half-plate caliber crafted from gilt brass, featuring a decoration known as 'fausses côtes'. The movement is signed and carries the serial number 1991. The mechanism includes 19 jewels and utilizes a lateral lever escapement paired with a cut bimetallic balance to ensure timekeeping accuracy. The chronometer is further characterized by a one-minute tourbillon. This device uses a three-arm polished steel cage that is driven directly from the minute wheel. To regulate the beat, the movement employs a free-sprung blued-steel spiral balance spring featuring terminal curves. The movement also bears the mark of T. Engel.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in an 18-karat gold, three-piece case of the 'bassine et filets' form. The exterior surfaces are decorated with engine-turning in a 'vannerie' (basket-weave) pattern, paired with a reeded case band. The case includes a glazed cover, and the winding crown is integrated into the pendant structure. The engine-turned silver dial serves as a display for the chronometer's various complications. It features Roman numerals arranged on a plain reserve with gold Breguet hands. Two gold-inlaid sectors are integrated into the dial layout: one indicating the centigrade temperature and another showing the winding status on a scale graduated for 48 hours of power reserve. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the bottom of the main dial plate.
- Provenance and Exhibition History
- This object was specifically manufactured for an international tour of exhibitions organized by the brand in 1986. The watch was presented in multiple major cities including London, Geneva, Paris, New York, Brussels, and Zurich, as part of this promotional series for the company's horological work. The auction description confirms that the watch remains in perfect condition and maintains its original intended configuration from the time of its creation for these exhibitions.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1991
- 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 source does not explicitly state the country of manufacture.
- Research required: Attribution of the movement mark to T. Engel is provided without further context on the maker's relationship to the brand.