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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Souscription pocket watch

Breguet & Fils Souscription pocket watch No. 884

Partially verified

This large Breguet & Fils Souscription pocket watch dates to circa 1802 and features a 62 mm case constructed in silver with a gold rim, hinges, and bow. The white enamel dial is designed in classic souscription layout, displaying Arabic numerals and calibrated minute graduations read via a single blued steel hand. Underneath the enamel dial lies a keywind bridge movement with a central barrel, ruby cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance, and Breguet's parachute shock protection. According to catalogue records, it was sold on December 15, 1802, and bears case maker Guillaume Mermillod's punch mark.

Dial and front view of Breguet & Fils Souscription pocket watch No. 884
Dial and front view of Breguet & Fils Souscription pocket watch No. 884 — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Souscription pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Breguet & Fils
Reference
884B
Catalogue / lot identifier
354
Source-reported date
circa 1802
Country
France
Source-reported serial
884

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 Identification and Provenance

This timepiece is identified in the catalogue as a Breguet & Fils Souscription pocket watch, movement number 884, case number 880. It is documented as having been sold on 24 Frimaire An 11 (December 15, 1802) for 600 Francs to 'a friend of Monsieur Strok'.

The watch is listed with an original certificate. It belongs to a series produced by Breguet in small batches of 12 to 20 examples to support the funding of his business and horological research.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm. No. 884, Case No. 880”
  • “sold to "a friend of Monsieur Strok" on 24 Frimaire An 11 (= December 15, 1802) for 600 Francs”
  • “Original certificate”
  • “produce these watches in small series (between 12 and 20 examples at a time)”

Case Specifications and Condition

The watch is housed in a silver case with a gold rim, gold hinges, and a gold bow. The exterior features a guilloché pattern, a reeded caseband, and an engraved monogram 'MM'. The case bears the punch mark 'GM', attributed to silversmith Guillaume Mermillod.

The condition report describes the case as 'good', noting the presence of dents and wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: Silver, gold rim, gold hinges and bow, guilloché pattern, reeded caseband, engraved monogram "MM"”
  • “case maker's punch mark "GM" (Guillaume Mermillod)”
  • “Case: good, dents, worn”

Dial and Movement Details

The watch features a white enamel dial designed for a single-hand display, with a secret signature positioned below the '12'.

The movement is a bridge type with a central barrel and ruby cylinder escapement. It includes a three-arm brass balance, a blued balance spring with temperature compensation, and Breguet's 'parachute' shock protection. The condition report notes that the movement is 'very good' and capable of running, though it recommends cleaning. The dial is described as in 'good' condition with 'small restaurations'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Enamel, secret signature below "12"”
  • “Movm.: Bridge movement, keywind, central barrel, ruby cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance, blued balance spring with temperature compensation, shock protection-"parachute"”
  • “Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended”
  • “Dial: good, small restaurations”

Open research questions

  • What is the full extent of the 'small restaurations' mentioned on the dial?
  • Does the 'MM' monogram correspond to a known historical figure associated with the initial sale?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet & Fils Souscription pocket watch No. 884
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number884“Movm. No. 884”
Case Number880“Case No. 880”
Diameter62 mm“Dimensions 62 mm”
Weight132 g“Weight 132 g”
EscapementRuby cylinder escapement“ruby cylinder escapement”
Case MakerGuillaume Mermillod“case maker's punch mark "GM" (Guillaume Mermillod)”
Dimensions62 mm“Dimensions 62 mm”

Visible details

  • Single centrally mounted blued steel hand with an open circular pointer
  • White enamel dial displaying Breguet-style Arabic numerals and subdivided outer minute track
  • Gold-toned outer bezel rim and circular top bow attached to a spherical pendant
  • Small aperture below 12 o'clock for key winding or regulation access
  • Inscription visible near the 6 o'clock edge

Research qualifications

  • Movement, caseback guilloché, and internal hallmarks are not visible in the supplied photograph
  • Secret signature mentioned in catalogue description is not clearly legible at this resolution

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

Consulted source

At Auction: Breguet & Fils - Souscription

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record a7db3999be

Terms in this record

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

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