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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeater pocket watch

Abraham-Louis Breguet Montre à Répétition sur les principes des chronomètres No. 396

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this 18-karat gold quarter-repeating pocket watch was manufactured by Abraham-Louis Breguet as a 'montre à répetition sur les principes des chronomètres' in 'Garde Temps' quality. The source states it was originally sold in January 1818 to Hugues Wenham, repurchased and modernized by Breguet in October 1839 where it received movement number 396 and an enamel dial with a secret signature, and subsequently resold in October 1844 to the Count of Fersen. The 40 mm gold case features a quatre baguettes construction with repetition activated by a pull-twist piston through the pendant.

Front view of Abraham-Louis Breguet repeating pocket watch No. 396 showing the white enamel dial and open gold bezel
Front view of Abraham-Louis Breguet repeating pocket watch No. 396 showing the white enamel dial and open gold bezel — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeater pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Abraham-Louis Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
195
Source-reported date
circa 1818
Country
France
Source-reported serial
396

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Provenance

This pocket watch is a quarter-repeater described as being manufactured as a 'montre à répetition sur les principes des chronomètres' in 'Garde Temps' quality by Abraham-Louis Breguet. The watch is associated with movement number 396 and case number B 2690, with a reported weight of 48 grams.

According to the source, the timepiece was initially sold on January 23, 1818, to Hugues Wenham. The watch was later repurchased and modernized by Breguet on October 5, 1839, at which time it was assigned its current movement number and fitted with a new enamel dial. It was subsequently sold on October 26, 1844, to the Count of Fersen.

Evidence for this section
  • “manufactured as "montre à répetition sur les principes des chronomètres" in best movement quality "Garde Temps"”
  • “sold on 23 January 1818 to Hugues Wenham for 4,000 francs, repurchased and modernised by Breguet on 5 October 1839, and sold on 26 October 1844 to the Count of Fersen”
  • “Movm. No. 396, Case No. B 2690, Dimensions 40 mm, circa 1818, Weight 48 g”

Case and Dial Construction

The 18-karat gold case features a 'quatre baguettes' design with a guilloché pattern. The repeating function is activated by a pull-twist piston integrated through the pendant. The watch displays a white enamel dial with Roman numeral hour markers and an outer minute track.

The dial is signed 'BREGUET' and contains a secret signature reading 'Breguet 396'. The watch is fitted with an open-tipped hand configuration, and the case design allows for an opened front bezel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18 K gold, case design "quatre baguettes", guilloché pattern, pusher for repetition via pull-twist piston through the pendant.”
  • “Dial: Enamel, secret signature "Breguet 396".”

Technical Specifications

The movement is a bridge-style, keywind caliber featuring an early lever escapement, a single hammer and gong, and a compensation balance with gold and platinum screws.

Additional technical components include a 'parachute' shock protection system and an 'unusual' going train equipped with an extra wheel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm.: Bridge movement, keywind, 1 hammer / 1 gong, unusual going train with extra wheel, shock protection-"parachute", compensation balance with gold and platinum screws, early lever escapement.”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical function of the 'extra wheel' in the going train mentioned in the source?
  • To what extent can the modernization process in 1839 be verified against independent Breguet records?
  • What are the specific distinguishing characteristics of the 'Garde Temps' quality movement classification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Abraham-Louis Breguet Montre à Répétition sur les principes des chronomètres No. 396
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number396“Movm. No. 396”
Case NumberB 2690“Case No. B 2690”
Dimensions40 mm“Dimensions 40 mm”
Case Material and Design18 K gold, quatre baguettes“Case: 18 K gold, case design "quatre baguettes"”
First Sale23 January 1818“sold on 23 January 1818 to Hugues Wenham for 4,000 francs”
Escapement and Movement DetailsEarly lever escapement, parachute shock protection, 1 hammer / 1 gong“Bridge movement, keywind, 1 hammer / 1 gong, unusual going train with extra wheel, shock protection-"parachute", compensation balance with gold and platinum screws, early lever escapement.”
Weight48 g“Weight 48 g”
Original Certificate4327“with Breguet certificate no. 4327”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer minute track.
  • Breguet-style open-tipped hands centered on the dial.
  • Dial signed 'BREGUET' in small lettering below the 6 o'clock position.
  • Polished gold case shown with an opened front bezel or hinged cover at the bottom.
  • Spherical pendant fitted with a circular suspension bow.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, case back decoration, and secret signature are not visible or resolvable in the provided single front photograph.
  • Historical provenance details, repurchase timeline, and internal technical specifications are source-reported and not independently verifiable from the image.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

At Auction: Abraham-Louis Breguet - Montre à Répetition sur les principes des chronomètres

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 565c562515

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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