
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Breguet Lady's Cushion Case Watch 18K YG "Cal. 839", 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Breguet (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- BGTC839
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (BGTC839)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1970s Breguet Lady's Cushion Case Watch 18K YG "Cal. 839" (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number BGTC839), this is a wristwatch by Breguet, made in France, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
When it comes to the names that have shaped the landscape of watchmaking as we know it today, there are few that have been more influential than Abraham-Louis Breguet. Credited with numerous horological innovations ranging from multiple different automatic winding systems to even the tourbillon itself, Breguet left an indelible mark on the watchmaking industry and his eponymous brand is one of the oldest still in operation today, with a rich history that dates all the way back to 1775. This ultra-thin, unique, and downright beautiful lady's Breguet wristwatch is a true work of art and comes from an interesting time within Breguets history. In the midst of the quartz crisis of the 70s, Breguet still maintained a high level of hand-finished manufacturing processes for their watches, unlike many of the other name-brand Swiss watchmakers, which resulted in very low production numbers for Breguet models across the board, especially for the brand's more obscure offerings. While very few examples of this model are known, and likely because very few were made, this is the best-preserved representation of this timepiece we have found. This model employs the in-house Breguet cal. 839 manual winding movement to execute the overall svelte design of the watch. Stock # BGTC839 Brand Breguet Style Cushion Model N/A Serial Nº297X Size Women's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Champagne "Guilloche" Millimeters 24x24 Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold Integrated Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The 18K yellow gold rounded-edge square case, or cushion case, is extremely well-preserved and retains deep hallmarks and crisp finishing throughout. The side of the case features the classic "coin edge" finishing that Breguet is known for. The case retains its original sapphire cabochon crown. The 18K yellow gold woven-link integrated bracelet is in excellent condition, exhibiting very minimal stretch. The size of the bracelet is adjustable within the clasp from 6 1/4 to 6 1/2 inches. DIAL & HANDS The original, ornate, and beautifully crafted champagne guilloche dial is virtually flawless, showing no age, oxidation, or damage. The Breguet-style hands feature a black enamel finish and create a touch of contrast to the watch and remain in perfect condition. ACCESSORIES None. The service history is unknown and is ready for service. The service can be provided upon request at the time of service.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Related records
Pocket Watches · 1700–1799
Pocket watch by Breguet, Belgium, 1700–1799
Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage
Pocket Watches · 1700–1799
Pocket watch by Breguet, France, 1700–1799
Fashion Museum of Antwerp
Pocket Watches · c. 1790
Breguet Love Letter, c. 1790
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Pocket Watches · 1790
Pocket watch possibly by Breguet, France, 1790
Museum of City History Leipzig
Wristwatches · c.1989
Steel, France and Switzerland, 1989; designed by Yaacov Agam (born 1928) for a limited edition by Movado
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Wristwatches · c. 1972
Wristwatch, France, c. 1972
German Clock Museum
Wristwatches · 1986
Wristwatch, France, 1986
Työväenmuseo Werstas
Wristwatches · c. 1970-1980s
Cartier wristwatch, ref. 10713, Riviera, circa 1970-1980s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
