POCKET WATCH, Quarter Repeater, 1814
Abraham-Louis Breguet
Paris, France
This watch (No. 2371) was made and sold to Caroline Bonaparte in 1814. Caroline Bonaparte, Napoleon's youngest sister, was Queen of Naples at the time (I808-1815). Her husband, Joachin Murat served as Marshal for Napoleon. He was taken prisoner and shot in October 1815 while trying to maintain control of Naples.
The records of the Breguet Atelier list twenty artisans who were paid to manufacture parts of this watch over a period of years. The Breguet records also indicate that Caroline Bonaparte purchased a very similar watch two days after buying this one.
SPECIFICATIONS: Serial #2371
Quarter hour repeater on gongs with push pendant
Ruby cylinder escapement, 22L, KW, KS, gilt finish
Yellow Gold OF engine turned case by Tavenier 43313
Cuvette signed Breguet No 2371
Silver engine turned dial with Breguet secret signatures.
Donated by New York University, James Arthur Collection
NAWCC#83.82.402
Purchased by NYU from Breguet Oct. 31, 1934. Originally purchased by Caroline Bonaparte
January 22, 1814.