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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Split second chronograph half hunter pocket watch

Breguet Pink Gold Split Second Chronograph Pocket Watch No. 4509

Partially verified

This pocket watch attributed to Breguet features an 18k pink gold half hunter case measuring 53 mm in diameter. The source reports a jewelled, keyless winding movement with a split second chronograph complication. The polished front cover possesses a central circular aperture revealing a white dial beneath, surrounded by black enameled Roman numerals. According to the auction catalogue note, watch number 4509 with case number 12831 was sold on 29 April 1893 to Mr. Labachnikoff for 1600 Francs.

Front view of closed pink gold half-hunter pocket watch showing case chapter ring and central dial aperture
Front view of closed pink gold half-hunter pocket watch showing case chapter ring and central dial aperture — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Split second chronograph half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Breguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
281
Source-reported date
Sold 29 April 1893
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
4'509, 12'831

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

Identity and Archival Provenance

This pocket watch is catalogued by the auctioneer under Breguet as a pink gold split second chronograph pocket watch. According to the catalogue note, Breguet No. 4509 and case 12831 was sold on April 29th 1893 to Mr. Labachnikoff for 1600 Francs.

The lot specifications record the piece as signed on the case, dial, and movement, with recorded case numbers 4'509 and 12'831.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Breguet No. 4509 and case 12831 was sold to Mr. Labachnikoff on April 29th 1893 for 1600 Francs.”
  • “Signed: case, dial and movement”
  • “Case number: 4'509, 12'831”

Case and External Construction

The source describes the watch as featuring an 18k pink gold half hunter case measuring 53 mm in diameter. Visible observation confirms a polished pink gold half-hunter front cover with black enameled Roman numerals around a central aperture.

Observation of the exterior further indicates hinges visible on the left perimeter, a catch tab positioned at 6 o'clock, and a fluted winding crown with a round bow at 3 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 18k pink gold, half hunter case”
  • “Size: 53 mm diameter”
  • “Polished pink gold half-hunter front cover with black enameled Roman numerals around a central aperture”
  • “Case hinges visible on the left perimeter and catch tab at 6 o'clock”
  • “Fluted winding crown with round bow positioned at 3 o'clock”

Dial and Movement Details

The dial is listed in the catalogue simply as white. Through the aperture of the closed front cover, hands and the upper edge of a subsidiary dial marked 60 are visibly identifiable.

The calibre is recorded as jewelled with keyless winding, operating a split second chronograph complication. Details such as specific jewel count, movement layout, or internal finishing are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: white”
  • “Calibre: keyless winding , jewelled”
  • “Breguet A pink gold split second chronograph pocket watch”
  • “Visible portion of the white dial shows hands and the upper edge of a subsidiary dial marked 60”

Open research questions

  • What specific signatures and serial stampings appear on the movement and inner case cuvette?
  • What is the complete layout, jewel count, and calibre reference of the split-second chronograph mechanism?
  • Do Breguet's archival ledgers provide further biographical or geographical context regarding Mr. Labachnikoff?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Breguet Pink Gold Split Second Chronograph Pocket Watch No. 4509
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18k pink gold, half hunter case“Case: 18k pink gold, half hunter case”
Case Numbers4'509, 12'831“Case number: 4'509, 12'831”
Dimensions53 mm diameter“Size: 53 mm diameter”
CalibreKeyless winding, jewelled“Calibre: keyless winding , jewelled”
DialWhite“Dial: white”
Historical SaleSold on 29 April 1893 to Mr. Labachnikoff for 1600 Francs“Sold on 29 April 1893 to Mr. Labachnikoff for 1600 Francs”
Accompanying ItemsNone (no box, no papers, no accessories)“Box: no Papers: no Accessories: none”
Auction Estimate4,000 - 6,000 CHF“Estimate 4,000 - 6,000 CHF”

Visible details

  • Polished pink gold half-hunter front cover with black enameled Roman numerals around a central aperture
  • Visible portion of the white dial shows hands and the upper edge of a subsidiary dial marked 60
  • Fluted winding crown with round bow positioned at 3 o'clock
  • Case hinges visible on the left perimeter and catch tab at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and complete dial markings are obscured by the closed half-hunter front cover
  • Country of origin is not explicitly specified in the source text

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

Consulted source

Breguet | A pink gold split second chronograph pocket watch | Sold on

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fe47e6b367

Terms in this record

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