Breguet No. 104 Two-Day Double-Boxed Marine Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
begun 1795, finished 1818
Breguet No. 104 is a gilt-brass and mahogany two-day marine chronometer documented by the maker's certificate as begun in 1795 and completed in 1818. Constructed on an ébauche supplied by Samuel Roy, the movement utilizes two tandem-wound going barrels driving a single double-helix chain fusee, an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, and an undersprung helical spring.
The matte silvered dial features black Breguet numerals, subsidiary seconds, and a 40-hour up-and-down indicator. The instrument is suspended in rectangular brass gimbals within an inner mahogany case, housed in an outer transport box with carrying handles. Originally sold to Captain Charles Baudin in 1818, it is Breguet's lowest-numbered known surviving marine chronometer.
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
- Two-day marine chronometer
- Escapement
- Earnshaw-type spring detent
- Dial Diameter
- 115 mm
- Place recorded
- France
- ÉBauche Maker
- Samuel Roy
- Maker Signature
- Breguet et Fils, No. 104
- Original Sale Date
- 9 April 1818
- Maker / attribution
- Breguet et Fils
- Power Reserve Indicator
- 40-hour up-and-down indication
Design
- Visible features
- • High-angle view of the chronometer mounted inside its inner mahogany case and rectangular brass gimbal system within the outer mahogany box. • A brass winding key and a printed paper repair/trade label are secured inside the upper inner lid. • A circular recess is carved into the underside of the outer lid. • Brass side carrying handle and front lock escutcheon with key inserted on the exterior of the mahogany box.
- Casing and Configuration
- The chronometer is mounted in rectangular brass gimbals within an inner mahogany box. This inner unit is housed inside a larger outer mahogany transport box, which includes a front lock escutcheon and side carrying handles. The outer lid features a sliding viewing aperture containing an inset brass plaque signed and numbered Breguet 104. The interior of the upper inner lid secures a brass winding key and a printed paper repair/trade label. The piece underwent conservation and restoration by Anthony Gray following its 2019 auction.
- Mechanical Specifications
- The movement features a brass Samuel Roy ébauche incorporating two tandem-wound going barrels that drive a single double-helix chain fusee. The regulation system utilizes an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, a roller with a ruby impulse pallet, and a large free-sprung bi-metallic compensation balance with moveable timing weights and additional timing screws. A grey-finished steel helical spring is undersprung, and the movement includes a diamond endstone. The matte silvered dial displays black Breguet numerals, an outer minute ring, and large subsidiary seconds. A 40-hour up-and-down indicator is integrated as a sector display.
- Production and Provenance
- Breguet No. 104 is identified as the maker's lowest-numbered surviving marine chronometer. According to archival records, its production span was extensive; initial work began in 1795 utilizing an ébauche from Samuel Roy, but manufacturing was interrupted in 1804 and 1812 before reaching completion in 1818. The instrument was first sold on April 9, 1818, to Captain Charles Baudin. Service records indicate the piece was returned to Breguet for maintenance five times between 1821 and 1853. A 1853 service record specifically notes the chronometer required refurbishment following an immersion event.
Identification
- Serial number
- 104
- 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: Movement details and ébauche origins are reported by the cataloguing text and archival certificates, but internal components are not visible in the closed-cased image.
- Research required: The source reports that the piece underwent conservation and restoration by Anthony Gray following its 2019 auction sale.