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858
Spectacular!
This dial layout works superbly. Reminds me of the Don Pancho (Vacheron Minute Repeater/Retrograde Date), as both are vintage tonneau-shaped watches. Which would you rather have?
Just because I was curious...
The Don Pancho was priced at 3500 CHF in 1936 (ref. Hodinkee), while this Breguet was purchased for 10,000 Francs in 1935 (ref SJX). In the case of the Breguet, there's no elaboration as to whether we're dealing with Swiss or Old French Francs. Based on historical exchange rates between the USD and these two currencies, I get an exchange rate of around 1 CHF : 5 Old French Francs in 1935/1936.
Either this Breguet would have cost around 2,000 Swiss Francs in 1935 (roughly 60% of the Don Pancho) or the Breguet was 2.85 times more expensive than the Don Pancho. The first conclusion makes more sense, if minute repeaters were considered more complex than perpetual calendars in 1935.
Reason 1,824 to be rich : )
I have always loved this case shape...reminds me of the Patek 5013, which is stratospherically expensive. I normally prefer a shaped movement but will make an exception here : ) From Watches by SJX: watchesbysjx.com ...
Not mentioned anywhere in the article or lot essay, but the movement was made by Victorin Piguet
V. Piguet also made the movements for Patek and VC's early perpetual calendar wristwatches.
beautiful watch and good story
but I have admit I wince seeing that case which can't have provided any protection against water, sweat, etc. Like an old pocket watch.
People seemed to do OK with them...
...and this one isn't in bad shape for being almost 90 years old : )
Spectacular!
This dial layout works superbly. Reminds me of the Don Pancho (Vacheron Minute Repeater/Retrograde Date), as both are vintage tonneau-shaped watches. Which would you rather have? Just because I was curious... The Don Pancho was priced at 3500 CHF in 1936 ...
The Don Pancho is one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen...
...but bear in mind it is a re-dial. watchesbysjx.com ...
The difference is, that Tiffany and Gübelin have traditionally theire names on the dial, on some watches.
This one is more like an individual engraving on the back, that is also "spoiling" a watch for many. It is an one off piece, one only with that extra text.
I see it as part of history : )
If Einstein owned the watch and his initials were engraved on the back, would that be bad?
I don't seriously intend to buy it,
but do feel the desire. Like many a married man, but I know how unsustainable the fulfillment would be.