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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Ten-minute repeating pocket watch

Breguet No. 3256 Ten-Minute Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Breguet No. 3256 is an 18-karat gold ten-minute repeating pocket watch sold on November 19, 1818, to Combes Sieyes. The watch features a four-body "forme collier" case created by Tavernier, identified by number 2655, which includes a reeded band and an engine-turned back in an "à grains d'orge" pattern. A concealed double cover was originally intended to hold a portrait miniature, which is currently absent. The silver engine-turned dial displays Roman numerals, an outer Arabic ten-minute ring, and an eccentric subsidiary seconds dial, signed "Breguet et Fils". The frosted, gilt bar-caliber movement is equipped with an overhanging ruby cylinder escapement, a parachute suspension, and a flat balance spring with bimetallic compensation. The repeating mechanism operates on a gong via a pull-twist piston in the pendant. The watch has a diameter of 62 mm and is reported in very good condition.

Front view of the dial and the interior of the movement of the Breguet No. 3256.
Front view of the dial and the interior of the movement of the Breguet No. 3256. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Ten-minute repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
249
Source-reported date
1818
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
3256

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 Design

The watch is housed in an 18-karat gold four-body "forme collier" case attributed to the maker Tavernier, bearing the number 2655. The case construction includes a distinct reeded band and an engine-turned back featuring an "à grains d'orge" finish. An integrated concealed double cover, initially designed to protect a portrait miniature, remains part of the case assembly, though the miniature itself is reported as lacking.

The silver dial is decorated with engine turning and displays Roman numerals for the hours. It includes an outer Arabic numeral ring for the ten-minute intervals and an eccentric subsidiary seconds dial. The dial is signed "Breguet et Fils" and incorporates gold Breguet-style hands to match the material of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body, "forme collier" by Tavernier No. 2655, with reeded band, the back engine turned "à grains d' orge”
  • “the back engine turned "à grains d' orge" with a concealled double cover opening to reveal the portrait (now lacking)”
  • “Silver engine- turned with Roman numerals, outer Arabic ten minute ring and eccentric sunk subsicliary seconds, signed: "Breguet et Fils”

Movement and Mechanics

The movement is a frosted and gilt bar-caliber type. It utilizes an overhanging ruby cylinder escapement paired with a plain three-armed brass balance. Stability for the balance is provided by a parachute suspension system. Timing regulation is managed via a flat balance spring equipped with a bimetallic compensation curb.

Functionally, the watch provides a ten-minute repeating complication. The mechanism strikes on a gong using a single hammer, activated by a pull-twist piston integrated into the pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “Frosted ancI gilt, bar caliber, with overhanging ruby cylinder escapement, plain three armed brass balance, parachute suspension”
  • “Repeating on a gong with a single hammer, pull-twist piston in the pendant.”

Provenance and Authenticity

The watch, identified as No. 3256, has an documented history of ownership. Records indicate it was previously cataloged under the number 1840. Before its sale to Combes Sieyes on November 19, 1818, for the price of 2700 Francs, it was bought back from the Comte de Los Rios. The gold cuvette is engraved with the signature "Breguet No. 3256," confirming its provenance.

The auction description reports that the watch is in very good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Breguet No. 3256, previously No.1840, bought back from Comte de Los Rios, sold to Combes Sieyes on November 19 th. 1818, for 2700 Francs.”
  • “Gold cuvette signed "Breguet No. 3256”
  • “In very good condition.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific provenance of the portrait miniature that was originally contained within the concealed cover?
  • Are there additional archival records that detail the technical adjustments made when the watch was re-numbered from 1840 to 3256?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet No. 3256 Ten-Minute Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet“Breguet No. 3256”
Serial Number3256“Breguet No. 3256”
Case MakerTavernier“forme collier" by Tavernier No. 2655”
Sales HistorySold to Combes Sieyes in 1818“sold to Combes Sieyes on November 19 th. 1818”
ComplicationTen-minute repeating“18 ct. gold ten-minute repeating watch”
Dial SignatureBreguet et Fils“signed: "Breguet et Fils”
EscapementRuby cylinder“overhanging ruby cylinder escapement”
Dimensions62 mm“Diam. 62 mm”

Visible details

  • Silver engine-turned dial with gold Breguet hands
  • Frosted gilt movement with visible bridge structure
  • Pull-twist piston located in the pendant
  • Reeded pattern on the outer case band

Research qualifications

  • The portrait miniature in the concealed compartment is lacking
  • Origin of manufacture is not explicitly stated in the provided text

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

Consulted source

Breguet No. 3256, previously No.1840, bought back from Comte de Los Rios, sold to Combes Sieyes on November 19 th. 1818, for 2700 Francs.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 75d99af7a9

Terms in this record

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