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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Tourbillon pocket chronometer

Breguet Exhibition Tourbillon Watch No. 1991

Partially verified

This gold keyless pocket chronometer, identified as movement number 1991, was produced specifically for a series of international Breguet exhibitions held in 1986 across London, Geneva, Paris, New York, Brussels, and Zurich. The watch features an 18-karat gold, three-piece bassine et filets case with an engine-turned pattern and a reeded band. It is equipped with a one-minute tourbillon, a thermometer, and a winding indicator. The silver engine-turned dial displays Roman numerals, gold Breguet hands, and subsidiary seconds, alongside gold-inlaid sectors for the centigrade thermometer and a 48-hour power reserve scale. The movement is a 22-ligne, half-plate gilt brass caliber, signed by Breguet, which utilizes a lateral lever escapement, 19 jewels, and a free-sprung blued-steel spiral balance spring. A polished steel three-arm cage houses the tourbillon, which is driven by the minute wheel. The watch measures 56 mm in diameter.

The upper portion displays the engine-turned silver dial with gold-inlaid thermometer and power reserve sectors; the lower portion shows the gilt brass, half-plate tourbillon movement with fausses côtes finish.
The upper portion displays the engine-turned silver dial with gold-inlaid thermometer and power reserve sectors; the lower portion shows the gilt brass, half-plate tourbillon movement with fausses côtes finish. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Tourbillon pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
183
Source-reported date
1986
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
1991

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 watch is housed in an 18-karat gold, three-piece case of the 'bassine et filets' form. The exterior surfaces are decorated with engine-turning in a 'vannerie' (basket-weave) pattern, paired with a reeded case band. The case includes a glazed cover, and the winding crown is integrated into the pendant structure.

The engine-turned silver dial serves as a display for the chronometer's various complications. It features Roman numerals arranged on a plain reserve with gold Breguet hands. Two gold-inlaid sectors are integrated into the dial layout: one indicating the centigrade temperature and another showing the winding status on a scale graduated for 48 hours of power reserve. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the bottom of the main dial plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18ct., three piece, bassine et filets form, with screw fitted back, engine-turned à decor de vannerie, reeded band with glazed cover.”
  • “Dial: Engine-turned silver, signed: "Breguet", with Roman numerals on a plain reserve, subsidiary seconds, with gold inlaid sectors for the centigrade thermometer and the up-and-down scale graduated for 48 hours.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a 22-ligne, half-plate caliber crafted from gilt brass, featuring a decoration known as 'fausses côtes'. The movement is signed and carries the serial number 1991. The mechanism includes 19 jewels and utilizes a lateral lever escapement paired with a cut bimetallic balance to ensure timekeeping accuracy.

The chronometer is further characterized by a one-minute tourbillon. This device uses a three-arm polished steel cage that is driven directly from the minute wheel. To regulate the beat, the movement employs a free-sprung blued-steel spiral balance spring featuring terminal curves. The movement also bears the mark of T. Engel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Gilt brass, 22"', half-plate caliber, signed: "Breguet, No. 1991", and stamped with the mark of T. Engel, with fausses côtes decoration, 19 jewels”
  • “One minute tourbillon with three-arm polished steel cage, driven from the minute wheel.”
  • “Free-sprung blued-steel spiral balance spring with terminal'curves.”

Provenance and Exhibition History

This object was specifically manufactured for an international tour of exhibitions organized by the brand in 1986. The watch was presented in multiple major cities including London, Geneva, Paris, New York, Brussels, and Zurich, as part of this promotional series for the company's horological work.

The auction description confirms that the watch remains in perfect condition and maintains its original intended configuration from the time of its creation for these exhibitions.

Evidence for this section
  • “specially made for the Breguet exhibitions in London, Geneva, Paris, New York, Brussels and Zurich in 1986.”
  • “In perfect condition”

Open research questions

  • What role did T. Engel play in the production of Breguet movements during the 1980s?
  • Are there specific surviving records of the 1986 exhibition tour that detail the presentation of this specific watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet Exhibition Tourbillon Watch No. 1991
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet“signed: "Breguet”
Movement Number1991“Watch No. 1991”
Case Material18ct gold“Case: 18ct.”
ComplicationsOne minute tourbillon, thermometer, winding indicator“Gold keyless pocket chronometer with one minute tourbillon, thermometer and winding indicator.”
Production Year1986“exhibitions in London, Geneva, Paris, New York, Brussels and Zurich in 1986.”
Movement Maker MarkT. Engel“stamped with the mark of T. Engel”
Diameter56 mm“Diam. 56 mm.”

Visible details

  • Case features 'à decor de vannerie' engine-turning.
  • Dial incorporates two gold-inlaid functional scales.
  • Movement utilizes fausses côtes decorative finish.
  • Pendant crown serves dual winding function.

Research qualifications

  • The source does not explicitly state the country of manufacture.
  • Attribution of the movement mark to T. Engel is provided without further context on the maker's relationship to the brand.

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

Consulted source

An Exhibition Tourbillon Watch No. 1991, specially made for the Breguet exhibitions in London, Geneva, Paris, New York, Brussels and Zurich in 1986. Gold keyless pocket chronometer with one minute tourbillon, thermometer and winding indicator.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 00bd9d11b8

Terms in this record

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

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