Breguet No. 4852 Two-Day Marine Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
sold 31 July 1841
This two-day marine chronometer by Breguet Neveu & Compagnie, numbered 4852, is mounted in an oval brass gimbal system housed in a brass-bound mahogany case. The 35 ligne movement utilizes two tandem-wound going barrels without a fusee, along with an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement mounted on a navette-shaped platform.
Its silvered dial displays two eccentric subsidiary dials for timekeeping and running seconds, accompanied by a brass winding aperture cap above the 12 o'clock position. The gimbal and lid plaque bear presentation inscriptions to Captain J. Bilard dated February 1841.
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
- Sale Date
- 31 July 1841
- Escapement
- Earnshaw-type spring detent
- Box Dimensions
- 203mm x 192mm x 192mm
- Dial Signature
- Breguet Neveu & Comp ie , No. 4852
- Place recorded
- France
- Balance Assembly
- Free-sprung bi-metallic balance with helical spring
- Movement Calibre
- 35 ligne
- Maker / attribution
- Breguet Neveu & Compagnie
Design
- Visible features
- • Mahogany box fitted with brass corner brackets, a brass keyhole escutcheon, and side carrying handles. • Brass gimbal system supporting the cylindrical brass chronometer bowl with an upper glazed viewing aperture. • Silvered dial featuring off-center dials and a small raised brass cap above 12 o'clock.
- Movement Construction
- The movement is identified as a 35 ligne calibre numbered 4852. It utilizes two tandem-wound going barrels for power transmission, employing intermediate and ratchet wheels featuring wolf’s teeth. The escapement and regulator are mounted on a navette-shaped platform secured by three screws, featuring an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement. The assembly includes a free-sprung bi-metallic compensation balance with adjustable screws and a grey-finished steel helical spring.
- Provenance and Records
- The chronometer is documented as sold to Monsieur G. Lafond of Les Compagnies d’Assurance, Paris, on 31 July 1841. Inscriptions on the lid plaque and gimbal record a presentation to Captain J. Bilard of the vessel L'ALEXANDRE in February 1841. Records from the Breguet Archives indicate the chronometer was returned for service on three occasions, with the final service entry recorded on 7 December 1859.
- Dial and Case Description
- The instrument is enclosed in a mahogany box with brass-bound edges, brass hinges, and a brass escutcheon. The lid features a large viewing window, and the interior contains a cylindrical brass bowl holding the chronometer. The silvered dial includes two eccentric subsidiary dials for timekeeping and seconds, and a brass cap is positioned over the winding square above the 12 o'clock position.
Identification
- Serial number
- 4852
- 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 internal movement components and the top lid engraved plaque are not directly visible in this image angle.
- Research required: Country of manufacture is not explicitly printed as France in the lot text, though the maker, inscription, and historical context are located in Paris.