Very fine and exceptionally rare self-winding "Perpetual ' quarter repeater antique pocket watch probably made or finished by Breguet, circa 1810. Silver engine turned dial (minor stain) with blued steel Breguet hands. Heavy 18K gold engine turned drum case with repeat piston in the pendant. Straight line lever escapement. Gold oscillating weight weight to wind the watch, which is limited by polished steel banking pins and locks into place when the watch is fully wound. A handsome watch in very fine condition throughout.
This watch is included in The Self-Winding Watch : 18th - 21st Century by Jean-Claude Sabrier and and the following is from this book. The movement is based on an ébauche similar to those made by Jaquet Droz. The watch was originally signed "a" Paris" with Breguet's name engraved later. The straight line lever escapement is the same type invented and used by Breguet. This watch may well have been finished in Breguet's workshop on special commission. The dial is identical to those used by Breguet, and the case was made by Mermillod who made cases for Breguet. The movement is extremely well finished, including the escapement, the pierced/engraved gold weight with initials, and the square gongs.
