French silver chronometer pocket watch Circa 1841

Silver open faced chronometer by Breguet & Fils
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A fine and rare French silver open faced pocket chronometer, circa 1841. Sold to Comte de Gourieff on 17 June 1841 for 1400 Francs. Gilt brass full plate movement, chain fusée, Earnshaw type spring detent escapement, two armed bimetallic compensation balance with poising weights and timing screws, diamond endstone, freesprung blued steel helical balance spring with terminal curves, gilt metal cover. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, large subsidiary seconds to 12 o’clock. Massive engine turned silver case, rose gold hinges. Case numbered 4988 and 1075 and stamped with casemaker’s initials LJ for Louis Joly, cuvette signed Breguet Neveu & Cie, dial signed Breguet, movement signed Breguet & Fils.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Signed: Breguet Neveu & Cie – Breguet & Fils
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This watch is an example of the final development of pocket chronometers by Breguet. A single barrel with fusee have replaced the twin barrel calibre of the earlier type and the movement is of a more robust construction throughout. By the year 1818, when it was designed, English chronometer makers, particularly Earnshaw, had begun to produce such instruments in substantial numbers and supply them to both merchant and naval shipping. The advantage gained by the use of an accurate timekeeper for navigation was significant in the struggle between countries for trading superiority, and the French Navy was in no less a need of such watches and box chronometers than their English rivals. If such instruments could be made reliable and not over delicate, they could remain on board of a ship for longer periods between servicing. Furthermore with the end of hostilities after Napoleon?s departure from France in 1815, the market was open for competition for the English chronometer makers; indeed, Breguet adapted certain features developed by such makers as Earnshaw and Arnold (his respect for the latter being well-known, to the extent that Arnold?s son spent some time training with Breguet), but as is the case with this lot, he continued to demonstrate the unique style of the firm, particularly with regard to the elegant design of the dial.

Alexander Dimitrievitch Gourieff (31 May 1786 – 16 December 1865) was a Russian General during the Napoleonic wars and then the minister of finances. His father Dimitri Gourieff was the minister of apanages under Alexander 1st, and the brother-in-law of chancellor Nesselrode.