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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating openface pocket watch

Breguet et Fils Yellow Gold and Enamel Quarter Repeater Openface Pocket Watch

Partially verified

Attributed to Breguet et Fils and dating to circa 1830, this openface pocket watch is cased in yellow gold and enamel with a diameter of 58.5 mm. The auction house reports a key-wound movement equipped with a quarter repeater complication. The gold dial features a central rosette-shaped enamelled medallion embellished with gold leaves, foliage, and blue accents. Light blue Roman numerals mark the hours along the chapter ring, and the inscription 'BREGUET ET FILS' is visible along the lower border of the central rosette.

Front view of the Breguet et Fils openface pocket watch showing the rosette enamel dial and gold case
Front view of the Breguet et Fils openface pocket watch showing the rosette enamel dial and gold case — Christie’s. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating openface pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Breguet et Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
56
Source-reported date
circa 1830
Country
Not established

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

Identity and Attribution

This openface pocket watch is catalogued by the auction house under the maker heading Breguet et Fils and assigned an approximate date of circa 1830. Visual inspection of the dial reveals an inscription reading 'BREGUET ET FILS' positioned along the lower rim of the central medallion beneath the 6 o'clock position.

The auction condition report notes a 'Hidden signature to the right side of the numeral 12.' Specific movement serial numbers or archival matching details are not recorded in the available source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1830”
  • “Hidden signature to the right side of the numeral 12.”

Case and Dial Construction

The watch case is catalogued as yellow gold and enamel, measuring 58.5 mm in diameter, and is fitted with a wide rounded gold pendant bow at the neck. The condition text reports 'Engravings to the case back clear and crisp' and 'Hallmarks and numbers to the inside cover,' though specific hallmarks, numbers, or engravings are not illustrated or transcribed in the source.

The dial is described as gold with a rosette-shaped enamelled front decorated with golden leaves and tendrils. Visible observations confirm light blue Roman numerals on an outer gold ring bordered by blue circles with white minute dots, paired with blued steel Breguet-style hands. The condition report notes 'Very slight color chipping of the blue enamel at 3 o'clock'.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold and enamel”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 58.5 mm.”
  • “DIAL: Gold with a Rosette-shaped enamelled front decorated with golden leaves and tendrils”
  • “Very slight color chipping of the blue enamel at 3 o'clock, normal for the age of the watch.”

Movement and Reported Functions

The cataloguing specifies a key-wound movement equipped with a quarter repeater complication. Because internal views of the movement and cuvette are not provided, mechanical specifications such as the escapement caliber or striking work layout cannot be visually examined.

According to the seller's condition report, 'The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing with a very slow balance action, repeating is working, but a service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time.'

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Key-wound”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Quarter repeater”
  • “The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing with a very slow balance action, repeating is working, but a service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time.”

Open research questions

  • What specific reference or serial numbers and hallmarks are struck on the inside cover of the case?
  • What motif is engraved on the reverse of the case back?
  • What escapement configuration and caliber architecture are present on the key-wound movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet et Fils Yellow Gold and Enamel Quarter Repeater Openface Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Circa1830“CIRCA: 1830”
Case MaterialYellow gold and enamel“CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold and enamel”
Case Diameter58.5 mm.“CASE DIAMETER: 58.5 mm.”
DialGold with a Rosette-shaped enamelled front decorated with golden leaves and tendrils“DIAL: Gold with a Rosette-shaped enamelled front decorated with golden leaves and tendrils”
MovementKey-wound“MOVEMENT: Key-wound”
FunctionsQuarter repeater“FUNCTIONS: Quarter repeater”
Dial Condition NoteHidden signature to the right of 12 and minor color chipping of blue enamel at 3 o'clock“Hidden signature to the right side of the numeral 12. Very slight color chipping of the blue enamel at 3 o'clock, normal for the age of the watch.”
Case Markings NoteReported clear engravings on the case back and hallmarks and numbers inside the cover“Engravings to the case back clear and crisp. Hallmarks and numbers to the inside cover.”

Visible details

  • Central gold and blue enamel medallion depicts a multi-pointed star and rosette motif with foliage details.
  • Hours are indicated by light blue Roman numerals on an outer gold ring bordered by blue circles with white minute dots.
  • Fitted with blued steel Breguet-style hands and a wide rounded gold pendant bow at the neck.
  • Inscription reading 'BREGUET ET FILS' is visible on the lower rim of the central medallion beneath the 6 o'clock position.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, inner cuvette, and case back are not depicted in the provided photograph.
  • Internal serial numbers, hallmarks, and case back engravings mentioned in the condition report are not transcribed in the source text.

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

Consulted source

BREGUET ET FILS, YELLOW GOLD AND ENAMEL QUARTER REPEATER OPENFACE POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3304b83d21

Terms in this record

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

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