Rare and large French ruby cylinder montre à tact watch Circa 1800

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Kenmerk
AS2063
Diameter
62 mm
Estimate
€ 32.500 - 60.000
Price sold
€ 37.600

Gold and silver montre à tact watch by Breguet et Fils
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A rare and large French gold and silver ruby cylinder montre à tact watch, circa 1800. Called souscription à tact. This watch features a gilded movement, signed and numbered as Breguet no. 682, with a ruby cylinder escapement, a three arm balance with a compensation curb, and parachute suspension. It has a large central barrel with a winding sleeve and an offset handset positioned next to the barrel. The offset white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals, including an outer minute ring with blued steel moon hands. It is signed at the base as Breguet et Fils. Surrounding the dial is a gold cuvette with apertures for winding and handsetting and an additional aperture for regulation. The cuvette is marked Breguet no. 682 & no. 2065.
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The case is adorned with gold covers featuring decorative sunray patterned engine turning. The front has an aperture for the dial, while the revolving case back is equipped with a raised feathered arrow for tactile indication. Additionally, the silver engine turned band is complemented by raised gold touch pins at each hour.
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This watch comes with a Breguet certificate dated January 27, 2020, which states that it was originally sold in a silver case to Lucien Bonaparte under the number 682 on November 9, 1800. The watch was later repurchased by Breguet, who then mounted it in a gold case and sold it to Monsieur Compain on November 23, 1824.
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Diameter: 62 mm
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Signed: Breguet et Fils
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The movement is running smoothly, and the hands are set correctly. The dial has a few minor scratches. The engine turned case remains well defined, with some tarnishing on the silver band.
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The montre à tact watch was invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet and was produced between 1800 and 1834. It is said that fashionable young men wore these watches to discreetly check the time without their hosts noticing their anxiety. The design allowed them to tell the time without having to take the watch out of their pocket. 
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To use the watch, the tact hand at the front of the case is manually turned until it stops. A small protective feature prevents it from rotating further, ensuring that the tact hand remains positioned at the correct time. The position of the hand is indicated by raised touch pieces set at hourly intervals along the edge of the case. 
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Additionally, there is a small dial inset into the front cover of the watch, which allows for a visual examination of the time. Opening this cover reveals an inner cuvette that contains apertures for handsetting and winding the watch

Signed: Breguet et Fils

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