French single handed Souscription watch with date Circa 1827

Gold and silver ruby cylinder Souscription watch by Breguet
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A wonderful French gold and silver ruby cylinder single handed Souscription watch, Montre Simple Médaillon, with date, visible regulation and double ended gold ratchet key, circa 1827. Gilded movement, 15”’ Souscription calibre, equipped with a ruby cylinder escapement, a flat three arm gold balance, parachute suspension, and a centrally set barrel. The silver engine turned dial showcases a satin finished chapter ring with black Roman numerals and a similarly finished outer minute ring. It includes a date aperture at 12 o’clock and a regulator indicator above 6 o’clock. A single gold hand with a blued steel central boss complements the design. The dial is signed Breguet on a banner at its base, with a secret signature engraved on either side of 12 o’clock as Breguet no. 710.
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The gold and silver case, crafted by Tavernier, features an engine turned back and bezel, an engine turned silver band, and a gold pendant and bow. The centre of the case back has a small open aperture for winding and handset, with an additional small aperture at 6 o’clock for regulation. A pusher on the band at 9 o’clock allows for date adjustment. The case back is stamped with T 4061 and B 4455, along with MA B beneath a triangle in a lozenge-shaped cartouche, and bears Paris gold marks from 1819-1838. The piece features a short chain and a double ended gold male ratchet key. The top includes a hinged bar that folds out with a small male key for adjusting the hand through the centre of the case back. It comes with a Breguet certificate dated January 27, 2020.
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Sold to Monsieur Crivelli on 15 November 1827 for 1,840 francs.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Signed: Breguet
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The movement winds but does not run, likely due to the balance sticking. The key sometimes slips during winding, probably due to wear. The hands adjust correctly with the key. The dial has minor scuffs and scratches. The engine turned decoration on the case is clear overall, with slight rubbing on the edges and band.
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Early in his career, Breguet equipped many of his watches with a short chain and a ratchet key. These keys, like the one featured in the present piece, were often double ended. One end was used to wind the watch via a central hole at the back of the case. The other end was designed to set the hands through the centre of the winding hole, advance the date using a side pusher on the case, and adjust the regulator through an additional hole at the back of the case.
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The Crivelli family played a pivotal role in the development of Italian opera. Gaetano Crivelli (1774-1836) enjoyed an illustrious career as a renowned tenor, renowned for his exceptional use of his baritone tenor range and technique. He gained widespread acclaim through performances in London, Paris, and northern Italy, where he achieved the height of his fame. Continuing the family’s operatic tradition, his three sons also pursued music careers. Domenico Crivelli became a distinguished composer and music teacher, establishing himself as a key figure in London’s musical circles. Meanwhile, his younger sons, Enrico and Giovanni, excelled as leading baritones in operas, performing both in Italy and throughout Europe.