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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Breguet No. 4730 Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Breguet pocket watch, numbered 4730 and manufactured circa 1830, is an 18K gold ultra-thin quarter-repeater. The movement is 30 mm in diameter, featuring a frosted and gilt finish with a cylinder escapement, a three-arm balance with screws, and a flat balance spring. The watch provides calendar indications including day, date, and moon phases. The case is three-body construction with an engine-turned back, a reeded band, and a reeded bezel. Correctors for the moon age, month, and date are integrated into the case band, which also houses a bolt for the quarter-repeater mechanism. A sliding cover on the back provides access to the winding aperture. The silver dial displays Roman numerals, an outer minute track, off-center subsidiary dials for the month and day, and a moon phase aperture at the six o'clock position. The index regulator is visible at twelve o'clock, complemented by gold Breguet hands.

Front view of the Breguet pocket watch, No. 4730, displaying the silver dial, subsidiary calendar dials, and moon phase aperture.
Front view of the Breguet pocket watch, No. 4730, displaying the silver dial, subsidiary calendar dials, and moon phase aperture. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
80
Source-reported date
circa 1830
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4730

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 Construction

The watch is housed in an 18K gold three-body case. The exterior features an engine-turned back, complemented by a reeded band and bezel. The case architecture is engineered to support its complex functions, with correctors for the month, date, and moon age integrated into the band.

The band also accommodates a bolt for the activation of the quarter-repeating mechanism. Furthermore, a slide is incorporated into the case back, allowing for the opening and closing of the winding aperture to protect the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, engine-turned back with reeded band and bezel”
  • “the band with correctors for the moon age, month and date”
  • “bolt for repeater activation in the band”
  • “slide for opening and closing the winding aperture on the back”

Dial and Indications

It displays Roman numerals for the hours and includes an outer minute track. The dial is configured with two off-center subsidiary dials for the day and month.

At the six o'clock position, the watch features an aperture showing the age of the moon. An index regulator is positioned at the twelve o'clock mark, allowing for adjustment of the timing. The time is indicated by gold Breguet hands, and the dial is signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver with Roman numerals, outer minute track, off center month and day subsidiary dials”
  • “age of the moon at six, index regulator at the 12”
  • “Gold Breguet hands”
  • “Dial signed”

Movement and Condition

The 30 mm movement is frosted and gilt. It is equipped with a cylinder escapement and a three-arm balance featuring screws and a flat balance spring. The regulator is tied to an index located on the dial, and the quarter-repeating mechanism functions via gongs activated by the bolt in the case band.

According to the auction description, the movement is in 'Good' condition but currently requires an overhaul. The dial shows signs of patination, and the case is noted as being in 'Very good' condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “30 mm, frosted and gilt, cylinder escapement”
  • “repeating on gongs activated by depressing a bolt”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended”
  • “Dial: 3-10-01 Good Patinated”

Open research questions

  • Does the current movement configuration match the original production records for No. 4730?
  • What is the specific manufacturer or supplier associated with the 'NEVEU, ET C. NIE' inscription on the dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet No. 4730 Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBreguet“Breguet, Swiss, No. 4730.”
Datecirca 1830“Made circa 1830.”
Case Material18K Gold“18K gold pocket watch”
Diameter32 mm“DIAM. 32 mm.”
EscapementCylinder“cylinder escapement”
Case FeaturesThree-body, engine-turned back“Three-body, engine-turned back with reeded band and bezel”
Dial FeaturesSilver with Roman numerals“Silver with Roman numerals, outer minute track”

Visible details

  • Reeded pattern on the bezel and case band
  • Silver dial with visible signs of aging and patina
  • Off-center subsidiary dials for date and month
  • Moon phase display with a sun-faced moon

Research qualifications

  • Auction house reports an overhaul is recommended for the movement
  • Specific mechanical condition of the repeating function is not detailed

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

Consulted source

BREGUET QUARTER REPEATING DAY DATE MOON PHASE ULTRA THIN WATCH GOLD Breguet, Swiss, No. 4730. Made circa 1830. Very rare and fine, quarter-repeating, 18K gold pocket watch with with day, date and moon phases.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7514e6b4ee

Terms in this record

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

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