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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half quarter-repeating pocket chronometer

Breguet No. 2 "Garde Temps" pocket chronometer

Partially verified

originally sold to Comte Mercy d'Argenteau on January 28, 1824. Housed in a four-body "forme collier" case with engine-turned decorations, the watch measures 57 mm in diameter. The dial features radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track, with subsidiary seconds and a 30-day date indicator. Functionality includes a jump hour hand, an annual calendar, and half quarter-repeating capabilities. The movement is a 26''' gilt bridge caliber containing 20 jewels, utilizing a straight-line calibrated long lever escapement and a two-arm cut-bimetallic balance with gold and platinum screws. The piece is signed "Breguet et Fils" on the dial and "Breguet, Horloger de la Marine Royale" on the gold hinged cuvette, which is engraved with an equation of time table. It is accompanied by an original morocco fitted box and certificate.

Frontal view of the Breguet pocket chronometer, movement components, and presentation box.
Frontal view of the Breguet pocket chronometer, movement components, and presentation box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Half quarter-repeating pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
323
Source-reported date
1824
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
2

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 18K gold four-body "forme collier" case. The exterior features engine-turned finishes applied to the back, bezels, and case band. A gold hinged cuvette protects the movement and serves as a surface for technical information, specifically an equation of time table engraved around the outer edge. The case design also incorporates a winding aperture.

The silver dial is organized with radial Roman numerals and an outer track for minutes. Sub-dials are symmetrically arranged; the seconds are located between the III and IV o'clock markers, while a 30-day date indicator sits to the left side, secured by a screw positioned above the VI o'clock marker. Blued steel Breguet-style hands indicate the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Four-body, "forme collier", No. 118 made by Joly, engine-turned back, bezels and band”
  • “gold hinged cuvette engraved with equation table around the edge”
  • “D. Silver, radial Roman numerals, outer minute dot divisions, subsidiary sunk seconds between III and IV o'clock, symmetrically to the left 30-day date”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by a 26 ligne gilt bridge movement containing 20 jewels. The escapement is a straight-line calibrated long lever type, paired with a two-arm cut-bimetallic compensation balance. Temperature compensation is facilitated by gold quarter screws and platinum temperature screws.

Timing regulation is managed by a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The repeating mechanism operates on a single gong via one hammer and utilizes an intermediate steel block. A repeating train with an "anchor" governor controls the repetition speed, which is designed to strike half-quarters.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 26''', gilt bridge caliber, 20 jewels, straight-line calibrated long lever escapement”
  • “two-arm cut-bimetalic compensation balance with gold quarter screws and platinum temperature ones”
  • “repeating train with "anchor" governor, repeating on one gong with one hammer via an intermediate steel block.”

Provenance and Identification

The piece is identified as Breguet No. 2, described as a "Garde Temps." Records indicate its sale to Comte Mercy d'Argenteau on January 28, 1824, The piece includes its original morocco-covered fitted box and a certificate of authenticity.

Signatures distinguish the exterior and interior components. The dial is signed "Breguet et Fils," and the internal cuvette bears the inscription "Breguet, Horloger de la Marine Royale." The case number is identified as 118, executed by Joly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Breguet No. 2, Horloger de la Marine Royal, "Garde Temps", sold to Comte Mercy d'Argenteau on January, 28, 1824, for 3,400 francs.”
  • “No. 118 made by Joly”
  • “Signed "Breguet et Fils" on the dial, "Breguet, Horloger de la Marine Royale" on the cuvette.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the technical information contained in the accompanying certificate?
  • Are there recorded instances of other Joly-made cases numbered 118 in the Breguet archives?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet No. 2 "Garde Temps" pocket chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet“Breguet No. 2, Horloger de la Marine Royal”
Serial Number2“Breguet No. 2”
Date of SaleJanuary 28, 1824“sold to Comte Mercy d'Argenteau on January, 28, 1824”
Case typeFour-body, forme collier“Four-body, "forme collier”
Jewel count20“20 jewels”
Dial signatureBreguet et Fils“Signed "Breguet et Fils" on the dial”
Cuvette signatureBreguet, Horloger de la Marine Royale“Breguet, Horloger de la Marine Royale" on the cuvette”

Visible details

  • Case back, bezels, and band are engine-turned
  • Gold cuvette features an engraved equation table along its edge
  • Subsidiary seconds are positioned between III and IV o'clock
  • Movement includes a repeating train with an anchor governor

Research qualifications

  • Condition report includes a grade of 3 for case, movement, and dial, indicating wear
  • The auction description includes a recommendation for overhaul at the buyer's expense

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

Consulted source

Breguet No. 2, Horloger de la Marine Royal, "Garde Temps", sold to Comte Mercy d'Argenteau on January, 28, 1824, for 3,400 francs.Exceptionally fine and rare 18K gold half quarter-repeating pocket chronometer with jump hour hand, date, annual calendar indication and equation of time engraved on the cuvette, accompanied by original morocco fitted box and certificate.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b86aa3c0c8

Terms in this record

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