French gold repeating watch with Islamic numerals Circa 1810

Gold open faced cylinder watch
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A very fine and rare French 18K gold quarter repeating watch with ruby cylinder escapement, circa 1810. A la Turque Breguet et Fils, sent to the Maison de Russie on April 23, 1810, sold by Moreau on December 31, 1810, for 1680 Francs. Turque by Joly (Master mark), A polished with reeded bezels, the back centred with an engraved crescent and star within a circle. Later gold-rimmed glazed cuvette.

White enamel dial by Borel with Islamic numerals and secret signature below 12. Blued steel Breguet hands. Gilt brass movement, bar calibre with free-standing barrel, Breguet overhanging ruby cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance with pare-chute suspension, flat balance spring, blued steel regulator arm. Repeating on two short gongs with pull-twist piston through the pendant. Dial signed.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Signed: Breguet Paris
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Lazare Moreau, nicknamed Zarenne, was sent to Russia by Breguet in 1808 to set up the firm’s Russian establishment, called the Maison de Russie. He was given permission to call himself Monsieur Moreau-Breguet and, as soon as he arrived in St. Petersburg, he managed to be introduced to the most important personalities of the Court and even met Tsar Alexander I on several occasions. As early as November 1808, the Tsar appointed him and the Breguet firm as Watchmaker to His Majesty and to the Imperial Navy. News of Moreau’s excellent work in Russia reached Paris and pleased Breguet. Nonetheless, Breguet was wary of Moreau’s slackness in keeping the accounts and in handling the repatriation of funds to Paris. Feeling that this success might go to his head, he warned Moreau against the excesses of his lifestyle. Luckily for Breguet, 1808 was also the year in which his trusted friend Augustin de Betancourt entered the service of Russia; Betancourt not only helped to further develop Breguet’s affairs but was able to keep a watchful eye on Moreau. Breguet’s Russian agents also often supplied watches for the Islamic market.