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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch

Breguet et Fils No. 2972 Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This minute-repeating pocket watch, identified as Breguet et Fils No. 2972 and designated as a "Garde Temps," is an 18K gold timepiece. It features a four-body "forme quatre baguettes" case, manufactured by Joly with case number 2072. The exterior of the case is engine-turned on the back, band, and bezels, and includes a gold detachable cuvette with winding and regulating apertures. The dial is silver, displaying radial Roman numerals on a sanded ring with an engine-turned center and edge, complemented by blued steel Breguet hands. The movement measures 44.3 mm (19 1/2''') and incorporates 11 jewels, a ruby cylinder escapement, a three-arm gilt brass balance, and a "pare-chute" on the top pivot. The repeating mechanism operates via three hammers on two gongs activated by a pull-and-twist pendant piston. The watch was sold to Prince Rasoumovsky on September 28, 1816.

Obverse and reverse views of the Breguet et Fils, No. 2972 minute-repeating pocket watch.
Obverse and reverse views of the Breguet et Fils, No. 2972 minute-repeating pocket watch. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Breguet et Fils
Reference
Garde Temps
Catalogue / lot identifier
321
Source-reported date
1816
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
2972

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

Case and Dial Construction

The timepiece is housed in an 18K gold four-body case identified as the "forme quatre baguettes" style. The case, numbered 2072 and credited to the maker Joly, features engine-turned finishings across its back, band, and bezels. It includes a gold detachable cuvette designed with specific apertures for winding and regulating the movement.

The silver dial is configured with radial Roman numerals arranged on a sanded ring. The perimeter of the dial and the center are engine-turned, and the time is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands. The dial is signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, "forme quatre baguettes", by Joly, No. 2072, engine turned back, band and bezels”
  • “gold detachable cuvette with winding and regulating apertures”
  • “Silver, radial Roman numerals on sanded ring, outer minute dot divisions, engine-turned center and edge”

Movement and Technical Features

The movement is a 44.3 mm (19 1/2''') caliber containing 11 jewels. It is fitted with a ruby cylinder escapement and a plain three-arm gilt brass balance, which is paired with a blued steel flat balance spring. The movement includes a "pare-chute" device on the top pivot and a compensating curb fixed to the regulator.

The minute-repeating function utilizes three hammers striking on two gongs, engaged by a pull-and-twist piston located in the pendant. The mechanism features a continuous surprising piece and a movable star wheel mounted on an all-or-nothing lever.

Evidence for this section
  • “ruby cylinder escapement with plain three-arm gilt brass balance with blued steel flat balance spring”
  • “pare-chute on top pivot”
  • “repeating mechanism with continuous surprising piece and movable star wheel set on all-or-nothing lever”
  • “repeating by three hammers on two gongs by pull-and-twist piston in the pendant”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch was sold to Prince Andrei Kyrilovich Rasoumovsky on September 28, 1816,

The auction records indicate the watch is accompanied by a Breguet certificate. Furthermore, it is noted that Breguet delegated the adjustment process, or "repassage," of this watch to Charles Oudin.

Evidence for this section
  • “sold to Prince Rasoumovsky on September 28, 1816, for3,000 francs”
  • “Breguet entrusted the "repassage" (the correct adjustment of all parts) of the watch to one of his best workmen, Charles Oudin”
  • “accompanied by a Breguet certificate”

Open research questions

  • What is the current mechanical state of the repeating mechanism given the recommended overhaul?
  • Does the accompanying Breguet certificate confirm the full history of the 'repassage' by Charles Oudin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet et Fils No. 2972 Minute-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet et Fils“Breguet et Fils, No. 2972”
Case MakerJoly“by Joly, No. 2072”
Movement Size44.3 mm“44,3 mm (19 1/2''')”
Original Sale DateSeptember 28, 1816“sold to Prince Rasoumovsky on September 28, 1816”
EscapementRuby cylinder“ruby cylinder escapement”
Repeating MechanismThree hammers on two gongs“repeating by three hammers on two gongs”

Visible details

  • Silver dial with radial Roman numerals
  • Engine-turned case decoration
  • Repeating mechanism with three hammers
  • Pull-and-twist pendant for repeating function

Research qualifications

  • The watch currently requires a movement overhaul
  • Role of Charles Oudin in 'repassage' is a specific historical claim within the notes

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

Consulted source

Breguet et Fils, No. 2972, "Garde Temps", sold to Prince Rasoumovsky on September 28, 1816, for3,000 francs.Very fine, rare, and historically important 18K gold, early minute-repeating watch, accompanied by a Breguet certificate.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1bbd1a1331

Terms in this record

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

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