Breguet

• highly jewelled nickel lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, two hammers striking on gongs, gold cuvette • silvered guilloché dial, Roman numerals, four subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds combined with ages and phases of the moon, date and day, and register combined with power reserve • 18k yellow gold circular case, reeded band fitted with repeating slide • dial and movement signed Breguet 1626, case numbered

Originally purchased by Harry Ashton Watkins
By descent to the present owner

The watch has been sitting in a safe deposit box for most of its life, and as a result it will require a basic cleaning. It is functioning but the split work is dry and operates inconsistently. The repeat work is striking and in phase. The silvered and enamel dials are both in lovely condition. The case back bears some scuffs. As is typical of Breguet pieces of this period, it is unique in terms of its layout and complicated features. The watch is of exceedingly high quality and in overall lovely condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a fitted Breguet box with an additional white enamel dial, signed Breguet 1626, with Arabic numerals and similar layout to the silver engine-turned dial.

Further accompanied by a certificate from Breguet stating that the watch was first purchased by His Excellency General Sherif Pasha on September 12th, 1927 for the sum of 40,000 French francs. Breguet's records reflect that No. 1626, the present lot, was re-sold in 1937 to Harry Ashton Watkins, who ordered the additional dial.

The present lot represents one of a small group of complicated watches produced by Maison Breguet under the stewardship of the Brown family.

Breguet had a very limited production in the 20th century, however the watches they produced were of the highest quality and it would seem that no two complicated pieces were alike.

The present lot has never been offered at auction before, as it passed onto the family following the death of the original owner.

Harry Ashton Watkins (1904-1976)
Harry Ashton Watkins purchased the present lot during his years working at Morgan & Cie., the Paris branch of J.P. Morgan & Co., between 1933 and 1941.

Prior to relocating to J.P. Morgan's Paris office, Watkins worked at the New York branch. During the notorious Lindbergh baby kidnapping, Watkins was involved in coordinating the ransom money. On April 2^nd, the night the ransom was paid, Watkins worked through the night marking the notes. The $70,000 ransom included the marked notes as well as gold certificates, a soon obsolete currency. It was hoped that either the notes or the certificates would eventually lead to the arrest of the kidnappers, which it ultimately did.

In 1941, the United States entered World War II, and Watkins again found himself in the cross-hairs of history. At that point, J. P. Morgan was the only Allied institution still operating in Paris. As a result, day-to-day operations of the bank became increasingly complicated.  Watkins was charged with moving the bank's documents to Niort, a small town two hours outside of Paris. 

Shortly after Watkins had secured the bank's documents, he joined masses of people fleeing France. Watkins left Paris in his luxurious Hispano-Suiza automobile, but then traded it for a bicycle, which offered an easier escape. When Watkins reached the Spanish border, he was recognized by a diplomat, who invited him into his car. The diplomat hid Watkins beneath a blanket and was thus safely transported across the border.