Breguet No 4586

[John Pavlik]

While this is not a watch, could someone steer me in the right direction for information on this Chronometer....

[Ralph]

While this is not a watch, could someone steer me in the right direction for information on this Chronometer....

Do you have the box? Tub? Pictures? Size? Any other numbers on the movement?

Ralph

[John Pavlik]

Ralph,

Both pillar and top plate are numbered 8314586... Under side of dial is numbered 831...

Dial measures 80mm and the pillar plate 75mm..

As far as the box, the seller said, "I think I have that at home"..

[RON in PA]

This may be off the wall, but that movement looks very modern. Breguet did manufacture aircraft in the in the early part of the 20th century, any chance that your chronometer is from an aircraft instrument panel?

[John Pavlik]

Ron,

While I guess anything is possible, I would think it would be a difficult to wind as it is more than 2 inches deep and it does wind from the back.. It does have what I think is a spring detent, ? , escapement and a helical Hairspring.. Its mainspring power transmitted through a chain and fusee set up..

[RON in PA]

John, checked my copy of "The Time Museum Catalogue of CHRONOMETERS" which has a section on Breguet chronometers. Unfortunately there is nothing listed that bears any resemblance to your timepiece, but there is a section on a Breguet chronometer with a s/n of 4099. That instrument is dated to 1937 and assuming that Breguet chronometers were consecutively numbered (Yes I know the dangers of assuming) yours was built at some later date.

After I first posted I took another look see at your Breguet and noticed the winding arbor's location. You're right it would be difficult to wind it if mounted in an instrument panel.

[John Pavlik]

Thanks Ron... anyone else..

[LloydB]

Thanks Ron... anyone else..

If you don't mind a bit of speculation...

... could this be the marine chronometer to equip
some 'cost is of no importance' private yacht?

[Ralph]

Thanks Ron... anyone else..

You might check Von Bertolle's book on Chronometers and compare your movement to some of the other makers. It was probably an ebauche from one of the other makers and finished at the Breguet firm... or possibly simply branded by them.

Ralph

[John Pavlik]

Lloyd,

I guess speculation is what I am looking for.....as I haven't a clue on this one..


Ralph,

Any chance you would know where a copy could be viewed ??

[LloydB]

Lloyd,

I guess speculation is what I am looking for.....as I haven't a clue on this one..


Ralph,

Any chance you would know where a copy could be viewed ??



The general layout appears to be traditional -- look for
examples of marine chronometers by Victor Kullberg.

Ebay item number 180177869231 is nearly done, but
a net search brings up others.

[LloydB]

[quote=John] [snipped]

The general layout appears to be traditional -- look for
examples of marine chronometers by Victor Kullberg.

Ebay item number 180177869231 is nearly done, but
a net search brings up others.


Further to the above, have a look at

http://pages.cthome.net/nobliss/blchron.html

Which confirms the use of Kullberg movements
by John Bliss Co.

From the same source some other potentially useful bits:

http://pages.cthome.net/nobliss/blcollect.html

[John Pavlik]

Llyod,

Many thanks, I appear to be getting closer to the origins.. .

While there are many similarites, many differences also, mainly the barrel bridge and the foot of the balance cock... the ebay #2989 and the the other # 3086 are very similiar..

I found 1 with the dial marked Breguet at a European auction.. Numbers are close, but it is a very escapement different layout..

Thanks again for your help and direction....and if you find anything else I would definitly be interesed..

Where in Wis are you located..I'm from Green Bay

[DeweyC]

This looks to me to be 20th century Breguet; pre WWII. If you removed the dial to show the up/down I could be more certain. But it certainly looks like several I have done.

This is a nice find although not quite the same as finding an original Breguet. French chronometers are sought after in their own rights. Boxes and gimbals are harder to find for French instruments.

[Ralph]

Lloyd,

I guess speculation is what I am looking for.....as I haven't a clue on this one..


Ralph,

Any chance you would know where a copy could be viewed ??

John,

You should have come to the Midwest Regional, last August. There was a great display of chronometers and related historical materials in the exhibit.

There were 2 Breguet chronometers on display.

I would suggest that it might possibly be a Delepine blanc roulant, finished at the Breguet firm.

Where are you in Wisconsin?

Ralph

[John Pavlik]

Ralph,

Yes, I did miss this years.... Any chance you would know where those 2 from the regional are located ?? I'm from Green Bay............


Dewey,

I'll take the dial off and post a photo.. I wish it were one of the great one's , but I realized the finish, and utilitarian construction, was not in that class.. Non the less, interesting piece..