DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Breguet, Paris, quarter-hour repeater with concealed plunge activation (pull pendant cap out and rotate 90 degrees to activate repeat plunge), 51mm, 18K gold OF original case with "P . B T" marking for casemaker Pierre-Benjamin Tavernier, signed gilt cuvette secured by a screw near center and with apertures for winding and regulation, white enamel dial with "Breguet" signature at 6 and with a "No. 567 Breguet" secret signature below 12, KWKS (key not included with this lot), ruby cylinder escapement, balance with parachute shock and compensation curb system, standing barrel, gilt mvt, s#567 to cuvette, s#B 2876 and s#3400 inside case rear. Gross weight of assembled watch 52.3 dwt (81.4 g). Comes as pictured with its Breguet archive paper which reveals a fascinating history that begins with a very notable provenance, as this watch was sold as serial #2876 to Colonel Jenkinson in 1815 for the sum of 1400 Francs. We believe this individual to be Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1812 to 1827. The watch was then re-sold to Breguet in 1845 by a Capitaine Jenkinson for the sum of 500 Francs, who was presumably a relative as Robert Banks Jenkinson passed away in 1828 with no children and his heir at that time was a half-brother, Charles Cecil Cope Jenkinson, 3rd Earl of Liverpool. Following Breguet's reacquisition, the watch was entirely refurbished under the new number 567 and was re-cased by Breguet, into its present case as sold by the firm in 1852 to a Monsieur Hottinguer for the sum of 1000 Francs. Truly a fascinating piece with a rich history; if only watches could talk, this one would no doubt have some great stories to tell!
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, good repeat function and tone, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, good gilt tone, some typical scattered fine to micro-fine scratches; dial with hl from 6 to center, some additional perimeter hls at 6, short fine scratch below 11, typical mild micro-fine scratches elsewhere; excellent hands, few small bits of oxide to tip and circle of minute hand; case shows hardly any wear, no dents or dings, superb crisp engine turning detail, cuvette friction fits loosely into place but its screw at center is not securing it and should be replaced for cuvette securement, rear hinge missing its end-caps; bow pivots freely, push shows little wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$15000
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$30000
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