Breguet

The Master Timepiece
• eight-day movement powered by twin barrels housed vertically in the base transmitting force through a column to the Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, powered by a constant force device re-wound every five seconds, bi-metallic compensation balance, two opposed sprung helical springs • guilloché gilt mask with eccentric silvered dial, Roman numerals to the brushed chapter ring, outer chapter ring with minutes tracking, blued steel Breguet hands, flanked by two sector apertures, one combined for month and date and one for day, two sectors above for Celsius temperature and equation of time, separate recessed dial with fixing for 'Sympathique' wristwatch with ages of the moon combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases • the glazed gilt bronze case with retractable winder to base, milled bun feet, the base with floral and foliate chasing surrounding a guilloché reserve fitted with signed and numbered oval plaque, power reserve calibrated from 1-8 to display degree of mainspring tension, mounted to the base for proximity to the barrels, four Corinthian columns with Acanthus leaf capitals, surmounted by laurel wreath panels, carrying handle held by lion head mounts • case, dial and movement signed



The Sympathique Wristwatch
• manual winding jeweled full-plate nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance revolving within the one-minute tourbillon carriage, plate further signed Brevet du 7 Messidor An 9 • silvered regulator-type guilloché dial, eccentric brushed chapter ring with Roman numerals and corresponding blued steel Breguet hand indicating the hour, minutes indicated by a central blued steel Breguet hand corresponding to the outer chapter ring with Arabic ten-minute divisions, fan-form sector for power reserve, seconds hand mounted directly atop aperture to reveal tourbillon combined • 18k yellow gold circular case, chamfered bezel, special Sympathique crown to coin-edge band • dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold unsigned sprung double deployant clasp

The clock is in going order and setting correctly. The case is generally in good condition cosmetically throughout. The clock does not appear to wind and sync the watch and will require service. The watch movement is running, however it may require service. The dial is very clean with no visible imperfections. The case is rubbed with some light scuffs from wear throughout. Overall a lovely representation of an original Breguet Sympathique from the 19th century. This particular example is missing the setting key, one spring bar, and Breguet certificate that would normally accompany this piece.
"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 documents fully explaining the usage and technical details of the piece within a leather folder. Together with a fitted leather presentation case for the clock and outer traveling case for presentation box, and a separate leather drawer containing a magnifying glass with 18k yellow gold fitting and handle. Also with a wooden purpose-built box for the clock.

The Innovation of the Sympathique
During the French Revolution, Abraham-Louis Breguet returned in exile to Switzerland and there conceived the ingenious idea of the Sympathique. The clocks were primarily designed to demonstrate the quality and ability of his craft and to enhance his already distinguished reputation as the foremost innovative horologist of his time. In a letter to his son, dated June 26th, 1795, he wrote:

'I have great pleasure my friend, in telling you that I have made a very important invention, but about which you must be very discreet, even about the idea. I have invented a means of setting a watch to time, and regulating it, without anyone having to do it....Then every night on going to bed, you put the watch into the clock. In the morning, or one hour later, it will be exactly to time with the clock. It is not even necessary to open the watch. I expect from this, the greatest promotion of our fame and fortune.'

Three types of Sympathique were manufactured in the following twenty-five years. The earliest known with the rewinding feature was made in 1812 by Louis Rabi, one of Breguet's ablest pupils, but in general they date from after the death of Breguet in 1823. Due to the exorbitant cost of such a clock, many were sold to European Royalty.

In 1999, the legendary 'Duc d'Orléans' Sympathique, No. 128, was sold at Sotheby's New York for $5,777,500, a record price for a clock sold at auction.

Sympathique No. 2 is one of the first in a limited series of 20 modern pieces made by the House of Breguet. These few pieces represent the first time that the principles of this 'inimitable timepiece' have been applied to a wristwatch.

The present piece has never been offered for auction before.

The Sympathique Mechanism
(Reprinted with the kind permission of George Daniels from The Art of Breguet, London, 1974, p. 91.)

'The Sympathique is an ingenious and amusing toy such as only Breguet could conceive. Certainly no one but Breguet could have produced them, for they need the most skillful workmen to make them and the financial burden would have been considerable. They can hardly be described as useful or necessary, but great artists are not always motivated by such considerations. Sometimes fine work is done just for its own sake or because it contains a challenge undertaken and overcome, or perhaps simply because it is amusing and demonstrates a remarkable talent in full flight of fancy. The Sympathique is a jewel of misplaced ingenuity in a forest of scientific horological endeavors and their very existence is sufficient reason for their manufacture for they never cease to amaze and mystify... The mechanism is thoroughly ingenious and fascinating to watch in action. It can hardly be justified on practical grounds, for a watch with lever escapement and compensation balance will run accurately and not need regulating and setting each day... Such considerations however, were of little consequence to Breguet who simply wished to demonstrate his extraordinary ability as the supreme mechanic.'