Fine French 18k gold Montre de Souscription watch Circa 1815

Gold Montre de Souscription watch by Breguet
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A fine French 18 carat gold Montre de Souscription pocket watch, circa 1815. Sold to Leriche on November 8, 1815, for 846 Francs. Frosted gilt movement, souscription calibre, central barrel wound from the front or back, overhanging Breguet ruby cylinder escapement, three armed brass balance, the top pivot with parachute, blued steel flat balance spring, temperature compensation curb fitted to the index regulator. White enamel dial by Borel with Breguet numerals, outer five minute track with 2½ minute divisions, Breguet secret signature below 12 and original blued steel Breguet Souscription hand. Plain case with glazed back. Dial and movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Signed: Breguet et Fils
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Souscription. Breguet conceived of the idea for the Souscription watch in 1794. It was one of the many ‘inventions’ resulting from his period of forced exile in Switzerland during the French Revolution. The concept was both simple and brilliant: to offer his clients a watch that was ordered in advance and delivered upon completion.