Famed for their luxurious eye for detail, impressive craftsmanship, and unparalleled heritage within the watchmaking industry, Breguet has long been amongst the best watchmakers at the top of the horological pyramid. Arguably one of most influential watchmakers in the world, the brand was founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1775 and began life creating pocket watches. Offered here we have one of those very pocket watches, with this particular example being made circa 1794. As such, it is pocket watches, like the example we have here, that drew attention to Breguet’s now-legendary aesthetic and unwavering level of craftsmanship. Featuring an 18kt yellow gold construction, a white enamel dial with the brand’s iconic Breguet hands and numerals, and a coin edge mid-case that has become a lynchpin of the brand’s design language, this example epitomizes the brand’s aesthetic. Made long before Abraham-Louis died or stepped back from the brand, this example is truly historic. Boasting two intricately hand-engraved casebacks, this pocket watch shows Breguet at their very finest, from a time when they dominated watchmaking and all of its various artisanal crafts.

The watch is in overall very good cosmetic condition. The yellow gold case shows wear and marks consistent with its 200+ year age, but remains in excellent shape. The finely engraved coat of arms on the outer case back is well preserved, with only light wear around the edge. Inside, the stamped number is fully legible, and the inner cover features crisp, well-preserved engravings. The enamel dial has some hairline cracks, a few surface marks, and a more noticeable chip near eight o’clock. There is a Breguet "secret signature" visible at 12, and the dial is signed "BREGUET" at the 6 o'clock.

Please note that at the time of cataloging, the movement is not functioning, and needs to be serviced to be used for timekeeping. When bidding, please consider the watch for its historical importance, but not as a reliable timekeeper.

An example of an original Breguet pocket watch that was created by the brand long before Abraham Louis Breguet's death in 1823, or even the tourbillon's invention in 1801, this pocket watch showcases what horology was like at its earliest stage, with its completely hand-crafted case, dial, engravings, and movement all combining to make something truly special and unique.