Breguet

• nickel lever movement, 19 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, 8 adjustments • silvered matte dial with engine-turned arrow fitted with an aperture for hours, outer ring calibrated for minutes • 18k white gold case engraved with monogram • dial and movement signed, case numbered

Mr. Charles Schwartz, California
Sotheby's New York, June 24th, 1981
Time Museum Inventory No. 2504
Sotheby's New York, Masterpieces from the Time Museum, Part Four, October 13th and 14th, 2004, lot 941

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. It is numbered 1295. The dial is lightly discolored throughout, but overall very nice. The signature as well as the number (1295) are visible at the top; at the bottom is printed 'Brevete S.G.D.G., France'. The case shows light wear throughout with surface scuffs to the outside of the back. The back is engraved 'J.D.A.' The inside of the back is numbered 144491.
"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 photocopy of a letter from Breguet, dated May 4, 1972, noting that 80 watches 'of the type you were interested in' were produced in 1927.

During the 1920s and 1930s, jump-hour watches, sometimes referred to as digital watches, were a popular alternative to standard two-handed analog watches.

While the movements are similar between the two styles, jump-hour models substitute the hour hand with an underdial hour disk with numerals 1 through 12. When the minutes advance from 59 to 0 at the beginning of a new hour, the hour disk rotates one increment so the new hour is displayed through the aperture. Rather than progressing over the course of 60 minutes as in the analog display, the hour indication 'jumps' at the last minute of the hour, as suggested by the description.

In 1926, Breguet patented the design of a watch with jumping hours and a revolving dial. With this new design, the central portion of the dial revolves fully every hour, so that the minutes are indicated by the arrow. As the aperture for hour is located at the tip of the arrow, and thus circumnavigates the dial, this feature is known as a 'wandering' hour.

In 1870, the house of Breguet passed from the hands of the Breguet family. For the next century the Brown family would head this illustrious firm. In 1927, a third generation of the Browns, George Brown took over the helm of the company. Brown graduated from watchmaking school at Cluses. He proceeded to run the business until 1970 when the firm was sold.

For a similar example see Breguet, E., Breguet: Watchmakers since 1775, p. 316.