Extremely rare Swiss two-minute tourbillon watch Circa 1855

Interesting gold duplex tourbillon watch by E. Buffat
–
A rare and intriguing Swiss gold two-minute tourbillon watch with a duplex escapement, featuring a main wheel bridge in the shape of an N and numerals spelling out Napoleon III, circa 1855. The movement features a unique four-armed two-minute tourbillon carriage with a duplex escapement. It requires four vibrations of the balance per impulse to advance the carriage by one-second intervals. The compensation balance and spiral spring with a terminal curve provide precise timekeeping. The carriage is engraved with a floral design, while the back plate of the watch is engraved with E. Buffat, Fec. & Inven. and features bees surrounding the crest, crown, and sceptre of Napoleon III. Additionally, Alma and Inkermann and Exposition Universelle are inscribed on the central bridge, which is in the form of the letter N, to honour the monarch’s victories. The white enamel dial has hour markings spelling Napoleon III in blue and red enamel paint, and the ten-minute indications on the seconds dial spell La Glo[ir]e, with an outer red minute track.
–
The 18 carat gold case has an engine-turned case back, centred with an engraved Imperial Coat of Arms. It also has a milled band, a glazed cuvette with an aperture for winding and handset, and features the case maker’s mark, CAD indication, and a unique serial number. It also has a scratch number. The watch comes with a leather box fitted with an impressed gilt N beneath a crown on the lid. The back of the box features a Patek Philippe label with the number 5379, as well as the retailer’s name, Pleister of 31 Regent Street, London.
–
Diameter: 51.5 mm
–
Signed: E. Buffat
–
The movement is running and appears to be in good aesthetic condition. However, it may benefit from a service. The dial appears to be in good overall condition, with a couple of small scratches close to the centre. The case decoration remains clear and crisp, with very light and minor depression towards the top left edge of the case back.
–
The back plate of the movement features the engraved arms of the Second French Empire under Napoleon III, including the Imperial crown, imperial sceptre, and the chain of the Légion d’honneur. The ground is filled with engraved and gilded bees, symbolizing immortality and resurrection. The main bridge of the watch forms a Napoleonic ‘N’ and is engraved with the names of the battles of Alma and Inkerman, which took place in 1854 during the Crimean War. An eagle is engraved at the base of the back plate beneath the centre of the ‘N’ bridge.
–
Louis Napoleon III (1808-1873), nephew of Napoleon I, served as President of the Second Republic of France before becoming Emperor in 1852. His reign came to an end in 1870 after the defeat of his army during the Franco Prussian War.
–
This rare tourbillon watch with duplex escapement was once part of the Belin Collection, sold at Sotheby’s in London 40 years ago. It was traditionally believed to have been presented to Napoleon III at the Paris Exposition of 1867, but it now seems more likely that the presentation occurred at or shortly after the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle, given the style of the watch and the timing of the battles of Alma and Inkermann in 1854.