French silver watch with spring detent escapement Circa 1821

Silver and gold chronometer watch
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A very fine French, silver and gold, chronometer pocket watch, accompanied by Breguet Certificate, circa 1821, Gold hinges, the back engraved with initials D.S. Gilt brass detachable cuvette. Frosted silver dial with radial Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds at XII, outer dot minute markers. Blued steel Breguet hands.

Frosted and gilt, three quarter plate, the backplate relieved for the barrel secured by a bridge, cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, maintaining power, spring detent escapement, two arm cut bimetallic compensation balance with cylindrical weights and gold timing screws, free sprung blued steel helical balance spring with terminal curves and diamond end stone.
Dial, cuvette and movement signed.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Signed: Breguet et Fils
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This watch is an example of the final development of pocket chronometers by Breguet. A single barrel with fusee has 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 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.