Breguet 'répétition à ponts' quarter repeating pocket watch, No. 1944
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1809
Maker / issuer
BreguetThis 20K gold quarter-repeating pocket watch, numbered 1944, was produced by Breguet and sold on November 15, 1809, to Monsieur Hemoc for Monsieur de Bourienne.
The timepiece features an Empire-style case by the casemaker Joly, characterized by engine-turned surfaces and a polished bezel. Internally, the watch is fitted with a gilt movement measuring 51 mm, incorporating a standing barrel and an overhanging ruby cylinder escapement. Timing regulation is provided by a plain three-arm balance with a parachute shock protection system on the top pivot and a bimetallic temperature compensation curb.
The white enamel dial displays Breguet numerals, an outer minute track, and includes a secret signature. The piece retains its original blued steel Breguet-style hands.
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
- Quarter repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Breguet
- Casemaker
- Joly
- Date of Sale
- November 15, 1809
- Case Material
- 20K gold
- Serial Number
- 1944
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Diameter
- 51 mm
- Original Purchaser
- Monsieur Hemoc (for Monsieur de Bourienne)
- Maker / attribution
- Breguet
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a four-body, Empire-style gold case, identified by the serial number 1606. The exterior surfaces are finished with engine-turning, complemented by a polished bezel and border. A hinged gold cuvette protects the internal movement, which is accessed from the rear. The white enamel dial was produced by Borel and features the characteristic Breguet-style numerals and an outer minute track. A secret signature is positioned below the numeral 12. Time is indicated by original blued steel hands in the Breguet style.
- Visible features
- • Case is engine-turned with a polished bezel • Repeating mechanism strikes a block inside the case • White enamel dial includes a secret signature below the 12 • Movement includes a parachute shock protection system
- Movement and Mechanism
- The 51 mm gilt movement features a standing barrel and a jeweled train. The watch employs an overhanging ruby cylinder escapement for timekeeping. Regulation is managed via an index regulator equipped with a bimetallic temperature compensation curb, while the balance assembly includes a parachute system on the top pivot to protect the balance staff. The repeating function is an all-or-nothing system. When the pendant is depressed, the mechanism engages a single hammer that strikes against a block mounted directly to the case, enabling the quarter-repeating acoustic display.
- Provenance and Condition
- The auction house records indicate that the watch was purchased on November 15, 1809, for 2,000 francs by Monsieur Hemoc for Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourienne. Regarding the current state of the piece, the auction house grades the case and dial as 'Good' and the movement as 'Good'.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1944
- 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: Condition of the movement is rated as 'Good' but the auction house recommends an overhaul
- Research required: Specific details regarding the long-term history of ownership beyond the 1809 sale remain reliant on the archival record