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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer

Breguet et Fils No. 3595 Pocket Chronometer

Partially verified

This silver and gold pocket chronometer, No. 3595, was produced by Breguet et Fils and recorded as sent to Ducom on January 23, 1821. The watch is constructed with a three-body, "forme quatre baguettes" silver case, featuring gold hinges and a case back engraved with the initials "D.S." A gilt brass detachable cuvette protects the movement. The dial is made of frosted silver with radial Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at the XII position, and outer dot minute markers. It is powered by a 24-ligne, frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate movement equipped with a fusee and chain, maintaining power, and a spring detent escapement. The compensation balance is a two-arm cut bimetallic type with cylindrical weights and gold timing screws, accompanied by a free-sprung blued steel helical balance spring. The dial, cuvette, and movement are signed.

Exterior view of the silver case and the frosted gilt movement.
Exterior view of the silver case and the frosted gilt movement. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Breguet et Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
432
Source-reported date
1821
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
3595

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

The pocket chronometer is housed in a three-body silver case described as 'forme quatre baguettes'. This case is polished and incorporates gold hinges, with the reverse side bearing the engraved initials 'D.S.' The case was manufactured by the master maker Joly, identified by the mark number 313.

The dial is crafted from frosted silver and features a layout with radial Roman numerals. It includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned at the XII mark, accented by outer dot minute markers. Time is indicated by blued steel Breguet-style hands. The dial itself bears the signature of the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, silver, ?forme quatre baguettes?, polished, by Joly (Master mark) No. 313, gold hinges, the back engraved with initials ?D.S.?”
  • “Frosted silver with radial Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds at XII, outer dot minute markers. Blued steel Breguet hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch utilizes a 24-ligne frosted and gilt movement built on a three-quarter plate. The design includes a barrel secured by a bridge, with cylindrical pillars providing structural support. Power is transmitted through a fusee and chain mechanism equipped with a maintaining power device.

The escapement is of the spring detent type. The balance system comprises a two-arm cut bimetallic compensation balance, fitted with cylindrical weights and gold timing screws. It is regulated by a free-sprung, blued steel helical balance spring with terminal curves and a diamond end-stone. The movement is signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 24???, frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate, the back plate relieved for the barrel secured by a bridge”
  • “spring detent escapement, two-arm cut bimetallic compensation balance with cylindrical weights and gold timing screws, free sprung blued steel helical balance spring with terminal curves and diamond end-stone.”

Provenance and Documentation

The chronometer is documented as having been sent to Ducom on January 23, 1821. The object is accompanied by a Breguet Certificate, number 4155, issued on December 21, 1998.

The records further indicate that this specific piece was previously offered at an auction held in Geneva in November 2001, where it was identified as lot 51.

Evidence for this section
  • “sent to Ducom on January 23, 1821, for 1220 Francs.”
  • “Accompanied by Breguet Certificate No. 4155, issued by Breguet on December 21, 1998.”
  • “This lot was previously sold by Antiquorum , Geneva, in November 2001, lot 51.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific role or identity of Ducom in the context of Breguet's early 19th-century clientele?
  • Is there further archival information regarding the recipient 'D.S.' corresponding to the initials on the case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet et Fils No. 3595 Pocket Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet et Fils“Breguet et Fils, Hor.ger de la Marine Royale”
Case typeThree-body, forme quatre baguettes“Three-body, silver, ?forme quatre baguettes?, polished, by Joly (Master mark) No. 313”
Movement24-ligne, three-quarter plate“M. 24???, frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate”
EscapementSpring detent“spring detent escapement”
Date soldJanuary 23, 1821“sent to Ducom on January 23, 1821”
Case makerJoly“by Joly (Master mark) No. 313”
Balance springHelical blued steel“free sprung blued steel helical balance spring”

Visible details

  • Frosted silver dial with radial Roman numerals
  • Spring detent escapement with helical balance spring
  • Gold hinges on the silver case
  • Initials 'D.S.' engraved on the case back

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the owner 'D.S.' is not specified in the records.
  • The movement requires an overhaul as reported by the auction house.

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

Consulted source

'Envoyée à Ducom' Breguet et Fils, Hor.ger de la Marine Royale, No. 3595, Garde Temps d'argent, valued at 1830 Francs, sent to Ducom on January 23, 1821, for 1220 Francs. Very fine, silver and gold, pocket chronometer. Accompanied by Breguet Certificate No. 4155, issued by Breguet on December 21, 1998.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record be294cfbad

Terms in this record

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

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