Breguet

• cal. 556 QPRT manual winding nickel lever movement, 29 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance within a one-minute tourbillon carriage, minute repeating on two gongs • 18k gold silvered guilloché dial, eccentric dials with matte chapter rings, the main dial with minutes chapter ring and aperture for jumping hours, partially bordered by a sector aperture with wandering retrograde hand indicating date, subsidiary dials for day and month, aperture within month dial for leap-year indication, constant seconds hand mounted above aperture revealing the one-minute tourbillon carriage, the dial further signed 1747-1947 • heavy case, chamfered bezel, minute-repeating slide to the coin-edge band, screw-set straight lugs, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Breguet buckle

The watch is in virtually unworn condition. The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean with no visible imperfections. The case shows very minimal shop wear. The screwed strap bar to the bottom lugs appears worn and might need to be polished or replaced. Overall in very nice and virtually unworn condition. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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 Breguet Certificate of Origin and Guarantee dated March 8th, 2000 as well as a fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

The present example is one of three pieces produced in 1997 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Abraham-Louis Breguet. It has never been offered at auction before.

Exceptionally complicated and featuring a daring take on Breguet's classic aesthetic, it can easily be seen as the firm's most important modern wristwatch creation.

Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) became the watchmaker of distinction for diplomatic, military and financial elites and his personal contacts with foreign sovereigns helped foster his international reputation. He crafted specially commissioned models for eminent figures such as the Tsar of Russia, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, the Prince-Regent of England and the Queen of Naples, to mention only a few. His developments, including the overcoil hairspring and tourbillon have become industry standards. Today, Breguet is known as one of the most ingenius and important watch makers in history.