Breguet Two-Register Chronograph, Silver Patina Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

Parisian manufacturer Breguet, named after its founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, was founded in 1775 and is one of the most stored and historically significant manufacturers in the world of horology. With a number of firsts, including *ahem* what many consider to be the first known wristwatch, Breguet is primarily known today for its stunning silver 'guilloche' dials, innovations in complications, and outstanding build quality. Prior to it's transfer of ownership and production location change to Switzerland in the late 1970s into the 1980s, it is estimated that only a few hundred pieces were ever produced. So, the piece that we have here you might say, is something very, very special indeed and perhaps not what immediately comes to mind when you hear "Breguet." Dating to circa 1940s, this chronograph features what would have been considered a 'jumbo' or 'oversized' case, coming in at 38mm in diameter. Made from stainless steel, it remains is strong overall condition, with thick and symmetrical lugs at each corner and showing normal signs of wear otherwise. It has a smooth 'domed' bezel design and 'square' pushers with a 'domed' crown to operate the manual-winding Valjoux Cal. 22 within. Inside, the silver dial shows patina from age, largely even throughout with nicely preserved indices and text. The subsidiary registers retain visible 'concentric' finishing, with blued-steel hands that match the blued-steel seconds counter hand and both hour and minute hands. This is nothing short of a strong, honest example of what many enthusiasts consider to be the ideal type of vintage watch: manually-wound chronographs. And of course, its from one of the most storied and prestigious brands in all of horology, full stop: Breguet.