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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

Breguet No. 4852 Two-Day Marine Chronometer

Partially verified

This two-day marine chronometer by Breguet Neveu & Compagnie, numbered 4852, is mounted in an oval brass gimbal system housed in a brass-bound mahogany case. The 35 ligne movement utilizes two tandem-wound going barrels without a fusee, along with an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement mounted on a navette-shaped platform. Its silvered dial displays two eccentric subsidiary dials for timekeeping and running seconds, accompanied by a brass winding aperture cap above the 12 o'clock position. The gimbal and lid plaque bear presentation inscriptions to Captain J. Bilard dated February 1841.

Three-quarter view of the Breguet marine chronometer suspended in its brass gimbal within the opened mahogany transport box.
Three-quarter view of the Breguet marine chronometer suspended in its brass gimbal within the opened mahogany transport box. — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Breguet Neveu & Compagnie
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
27
Source-reported date
sold 31 July 1841
Country
France
Source-reported serial
4852

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

Movement Construction

The movement is identified as a 35 ligne calibre numbered 4852. It utilizes two tandem-wound going barrels for power transmission, employing intermediate and ratchet wheels featuring wolf’s teeth.

The escapement and regulator are mounted on a navette-shaped platform secured by three screws, featuring an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement. The assembly includes a free-sprung bi-metallic compensation balance with adjustable screws and a grey-finished steel helical spring.

Evidence for this section
  • “35’’’ movement, two large tandem-wound going barrels”
  • “intermediate and ratchet wheels with wolf’s teeth”
  • “navette-shaped platform with Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement”
  • “large free-sprung bi-metallic compensation balance with adjustable screws, large grey-finished steel helical spring”

Dial and Case Description

The instrument is enclosed in a mahogany box with brass-bound edges, brass hinges, and a brass escutcheon. The lid features a large viewing window, and the interior contains a cylindrical brass bowl holding the chronometer.

The silvered dial includes two eccentric subsidiary dials for timekeeping and seconds, and a brass cap is positioned over the winding square above the 12 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “mahogany box with brass bound edges and corners, brass hinges, carrying handles, and escutcheon”
  • “upper tier with large viewing window”
  • “silvered dial, two eccentric subsidiary dials”
  • “brass cap to winding square above 12 o’clock”

Provenance and Records

The chronometer is documented as sold to Monsieur G. Lafond of Les Compagnies d’Assurance, Paris, on 31 July 1841. Inscriptions on the lid plaque and gimbal record a presentation to Captain J. Bilard of the vessel L'ALEXANDRE in February 1841.

Records from the Breguet Archives indicate the chronometer was returned for service on three occasions, with the final service entry recorded on 7 December 1859.

Evidence for this section
  • “Sold to Monsieur G. Lafond of Les Compagnies d’Assurance, Paris on 31 July 1841”
  • “large engraved brass plaque to lid engraved Au Captaine J. Bilard Commandant la Navire, L’ALEXANDRE, DE LA ROCHELLE, Février 1841”
  • “Breguet Archives noting that he returned the chronometer three times for service, the last entry, dated 7 December 1859”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific records detailing the nature of the repairs performed during the three service visits noted in the Breguet Archives?
  • Is the 'Breguet 250th anniversary certificate' mentioned in the source an official provenance document or an exhibition record?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet No. 4852 Two-Day Marine Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial SignatureBreguet Neveu & Comp ie , No. 4852“signed Breguet Neveu & Comp ie , No. 4852”
Movement Calibre35 ligne“35’’’ movement, two large tandem-wound going barrels”
EscapementEarnshaw-type spring detent“navette-shaped platform with Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement”
Balance AssemblyFree-sprung bi-metallic balance with helical spring“large free-sprung bi-metallic compensation balance with adjustable screws, large grey-finished steel helical spring”
Box Dimensions203mm x 192mm x 192mm“box 203mm x 192mm x 192mm”
Sale Date31 July 1841“Sold to Monsieur G. Lafond of Les Compagnies d’Assurance, Paris on 31 July 1841”
Escapement ComponentsRuby pallet jewels“ruby locking and discharge pallet jewels, roller with ruby impulse pallet”
Included AccessoriesTipsy key and box key“original Breguet ratchet tipsy key numbered 4852 and brass locking key for box”

Visible details

  • Mahogany box fitted with brass corner brackets, a brass keyhole escutcheon, and side carrying handles.
  • Brass gimbal system supporting the cylindrical brass chronometer bowl with an upper glazed viewing aperture.
  • Silvered dial featuring off-center dials and a small raised brass cap above 12 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement components and the top lid engraved plaque are not directly visible in this image angle.
  • Country of manufacture is not explicitly printed as France in the lot text, though the maker, inscription, and historical context are located in Paris.

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

Consulted source

Horloge Marine à deux Barillets | A brass and mahogany boxed two-day

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 9763432048

Terms in this record

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

Other two-day marine chronometer records