Extraordinary and Large Breguet “Empire” in Yellow Gold, Sold in 1957

Founded in Paris in 1775, the Maison Breguet is responsible for numerous fundamental innovations in watchmaking – including the pioneering application of guilloché to watch dials, as early as 1786. This so-called "Empire" wristwatch, No. 1514 in 18-carat yellow gold, sold on May 9, 1957, is one of the rare dress watches produced at a time when the manufacture was primarily focused on military Type 20 chronographs. The Empire models, highly sought after by collectors, were produced over several decades; our example is among the earliest in the series, a fact reflected in the style of its dial. The 35mm case (the largest size) with its fluted caseband houses a superb guilloché silver dial in the "Vieux Breguet" style, in excellent condition, retaining all its engraved and enameled inscriptions. The small seconds subdial has a rare configuration, lacking the usual concentric dotted ring, and is surmounted by a pair of gold "hollowed-out apple"/Breguet hands. Its movement is the illustrious Peseux 260, an observatory chronometer caliber produced in only about 3,300 examples, and has undergone a complete overhaul by one of our experienced watchmakers. We present this exceptional Empire on a new Hermès leather strap and a yellow gold Breguet pin buckle. Accompanied by its Extract from the Registers, in superb condition, and featuring a rare dial, this Breguet Empire represents an incredible opportunity for the discerning collector.