Breguet et Fils
No. 1666 ‘Montre Médaillon’ | A rare gold ruby cylinder single handed Souscription watch with key and gold chain, Sold to Général Jean-Andoche Junot, Duke of Abrantes on 20 February 1805 for 1,200 Francs, Circa 1805
Auction Closed
December 6, 09:17 PM GTNN
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: engine-turned gold, satin finish chapter ring with black Roman numeral indices with five minute divisions, single blued steel Breguet hand
Caliber: Breguet no. 1666, gilt, ruby cylinder escapement, three-arm balance, parachute suspension
Case: 20k yellow gold engine-turned case by Tavernier, concentric circles radiating from the central engraved ducal coronet
Size: 42.2 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial, movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Breguet Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 20 February 1805 to Général Junot
Général Jean-Andoche Junot, Duke of Abrantes
Sotheby's Geneva, Masterworks of t.mes : Abraham Louis Breguet, Horologist Extraordinaire, 16 June 2020, Lot 32
collects ion of a Gentleman
The Souscription watch series was created by Abraham Louis Breguet to aid the recovery of his business following the French Revolution. Clients would have to advance a quarter of the 600 Livres upon ordering the watch, which covered the cost of materials and labor. The client would be required to pay the remainder of the balance once the watch is delivered.
The present lot is a rare example that was purchased by and made for Général Jean-Andoche Junot, the Duke of Abrantes. A significant figure in French history, Général Junot is remembered for being one of Napoleon’s closest associates as his aide-de-camp, and one of the Emperor’s most trusted generals.