Breguet No. 2 "Garde Temps" pocket chronometer

Technical characteristics

Type

Half quarter-repeating pocket chronometer

Maker

Breguet

Case type

Four-body, forme collier

Jewel count

20

Date of Sale

January 28, 1824

Serial Number

2

Dial signature

Breguet et Fils

Place recorded

France

Cuvette signature

Breguet, Horloger de la Marine Royale

Maker / attribution

Breguet

Design

Visible features

• Case back, bezels, and band are engine-turned • Gold cuvette features an engraved equation table along its edge • Subsidiary seconds are positioned between III and IV o'clock • Movement includes a repeating train with an anchor governor

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by a 26 ligne gilt bridge movement containing 20 jewels. The escapement is a straight-line calibrated long lever type, paired with a two-arm cut-bimetallic compensation balance. Temperature compensation is facilitated by gold quarter screws and platinum temperature screws. Timing regulation is managed by a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The repeating mechanism operates on a single gong via one hammer and utilizes an intermediate steel block. A repeating train with an "anchor" governor controls the repetition speed, which is designed to strike half-quarters.

Case and Dial Construction

The watch is housed in an 18K gold four-body "forme collier" case. The exterior features engine-turned finishes applied to the back, bezels, and case band. A gold hinged cuvette protects the movement and serves as a surface for technical information, specifically an equation of time table engraved around the outer edge. The case design also incorporates a winding aperture. The silver dial is organized with radial Roman numerals and an outer track for minutes. Sub-dials are symmetrically arranged; the seconds are located between the III and IV o'clock markers, while a 30-day date indicator sits to the left side, secured by a screw positioned above the VI o'clock marker. Blued steel Breguet-style hands indicate the time.

Provenance and Identification

The piece is identified as Breguet No. 2, described as a "Garde Temps." Records indicate its sale to Comte Mercy d'Argenteau on January 28, 1824, The piece includes its original morocco-covered fitted box and a certificate of authenticity. Signatures distinguish the exterior and interior components. The dial is signed "Breguet et Fils," and the internal cuvette bears the inscription "Breguet, Horloger de la Marine Royale." The case number is identified as 118, executed by Joly.

Identification

Serial number

2

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.