Important French deck chronometer in heavy mahogany box Circa 1838

Chronometer in mahogany box by Breguet
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An important French deck chronometer in a heavy mahogany box, circa 1838. Sold on June 30th, 1846, for the sum of 2,400 Francs to the Ministère de la Marine Royale. Brass movement, two barrels, applied platform No. 169 with spring detent escapement according to Thomas Earnshaw, tripod adjusting device for the helical balance spring, bimetallic chronometer balance with four weights and two screws, hack feature. Silvered dial, small radial time indication at 12 o’clock with Roman hours and an outer minute track with Arabic numerals, small radial subsidiary seconds at 6. Dial signed, movement numbered. Comes with the original ratchet key No. 4859 and Breguet certificate No. 3139.
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Dimensions: 215 x 140 x 195 mm
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Signed: Breguet et fils Hgers de la Marine Royale
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Despite the complex construction – which has, for example, a very intricate holder for the balance that can be adjusted with three screws – the design of Breguet’s chronometers allows a very efficient production process. The train is not fitted between the main plates but sits underneath the dial, which makes it easily accessible. The escapement can be worked on without touching the rest of the movement – a locking lever stops the movement as soon as the balance mechanism is removed.
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Abraham-Louis Breguet was born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 1747 and died in 1823 at the age of 77. At age 15, he left for Paris where he studied various disciplines, mathematics, astrology, horology, etc. He began his watchmaking career by marrying a wealthy heiress and establishing his first watch factory in Paris. He hired the most skilled and renowned horologers and master watchmakers. They realized his brilliant and innovative ideas. In 1786, he moved to London and set up a workshop where high-quality pocket watches and chronometers were manufactured. In 1789, he returned to Paris, where he remained until 1793 when he fled for political reasons. With the arrival of Louis XVIII, he became in charge of the ‘Centre Horloger de Versailles’ and was appointed ‘Horloger de la Marine’, he further entered the Academy of Sciences, and the King personally imposes on him the ‘Legion of Honour’. His innovations and improvements shocked the already existing watchmaking industry.