Breguet, Arnold, Smith Historic Watch Collection

DonCorson · 2015-05-25T13:00:14Z

Discover a rare collection featuring watches by Abraham-Louis Breguet, John Arnold, and Roger Smith. Experience the historical significance and craftsmanship of these horological treasures.

DonCorson

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

10 replies3445 views32 photos

DonCorson's post offers a rare and profound encounter with a collection of historically significant watches, including pieces by Abraham-Louis Breguet, John Arnold, and Roger Smith. This article provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the foundational figures of horology and a modern independent master, emphasizing the emotional connection collectors feel when engaging with such treasures.

A Treat of a Watch Collection

Watches from (the real) Abraham-Louis Breguet, (the real) John Arnold among others were part of a big surprise we had during our recent trip. The historically interesting collection was also on its way through CA and we had the great fortune to be able to see it.

It is hard to describe the emotions one has holding a real Breguet in ones hands. Knowing that Mr Abraham-Louis had also held it in his. And then, if that wasn't enough, follow that up with a watch by John Arnold, chronometer maker for the King of England. Probably the two people who did the most to creating reliable, accurate mechanical watches as we know them today.

Here we see the Breguet:

Because of the tourbillon most people who are interested in mechanical watches know (of) Abraham-Louis Breguet. John Arnold is, however, much less well known, but certainly just as important. His importance lies in his conception of the watch movement, simple, precise and accurate and because of its simplicity capable of being manufactured in larger quantities. Arnold was the biggest supplier to the Royal Navy of chronometer (a word the Arnold first gave its modern signification) watches and clocks for navigation.
This Arnold retains its original Arnold spring detent escapement. These were typically buried in a radial slot in the back plate, which you can see just to the left of his signature.

Now we move to a modern pocket watch, a massive and handsome (a full hand full) watch by Roger Smith. This is one of his first own watches, produced before his time working with George Daniels.

This watch, a Hamilton with a 950 chronometer movement from around 1930 has a strange story with it. Firstly, that I somehow forgot to take more pictures than this one of the movement, but also because the watch has apprently never been used. It is in pristeen condition, has never been taken apart for cleaning, there are no marks such as would be left by a screwdriver on the screws, and has apparently never run. It appears to be new as it left the Hamilton factory. Among the best of American watchmaking, a real beauty.
The Hamilton 950 is a 23-jewel movement adjusted to meet North American railroad standards of less than 30 seconds per week error in each of six positions (dial up, dial down, and vertical with pendant up, left, right, and down).

Going back a little in time we here see a perpetual calendar minute repeater from Samuel Smith & Sons, London. Smith was a well esteemed watchmaker in London, who's movements were made and finished in England. They also had a factory in Switzerland that made a small amount of movements including this one. The repeater mechanism is also Swiss, from Audemars. These movements were, however, finished in London.

Joseph William Player sold watches under his name in the late 19th and early 20th century. His father started the business in Coventry in 1858. The “broad arrow” marking on the dial and case shows that this chronometer deck watch belonged once to the British military.
This movement has a Bonniksen karussel and a spring detent escapement. Bahne Bonniksen produced the movements in London with mostly lever but some spring detent escapements for a number of years around the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. They were used by several English watchmakers with the intention of cornering the Admiralty and merchant marine markets for high quality deck watches. However, the karussels proved no more accurate than well-made English lever escapement watches.

I would like to thank the anonymous watch collector, owner of these wonderful watches, for sharing this trove of horological history with us and allowing me to publish these pictures.

This message has been edited by DonCorson on 2015-05-25 13:25:27 This message has been edited by DonCorson on 2015-05-26 23:04:17

Key Points from the Discussion

The Breguet and Roger Smith pieces in the collection are described as phenomenal, highlighting their exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance.
It's remarkable how beautifully crafted and aesthetically modern these 200-year-old watches appear, with the Breguet looking like a contemporary piece despite its antique movement.
The collection offers a rare and high-grade treat for watch enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to see such historically important timepieces.
The discreet sizing of company names on these vintage dials contrasts sharply with modern watches, which often feature prominent branding.
The opportunity to physically interact with such horological history, touching pieces crafted by masters like Breguet and Arnold, is described as an amazing experience.

The Discussion

Ares501 - Mr Green

May 25, 2015

Thank you and of course thanks to kind gentleman for making this awesome post possible Cheers D

patrick_y

May 25, 2015

It's amazing how beautifully crafted and aesthetically modern those 200 year old watches are in some ways. The Breguet looks like something you could buy today. The movement doesn't look modern, but the exterior looks very modern.

cazalea

May 25, 2015

What a great collection. Thank you so much for getting them onto your palm and into our view. The Breguet and Roger Smith pieces are phenomenal. Cheers, Cazalea

dxboon

May 25, 2015

How amazing to touch horological history! Thanks for sharing! :-) Daos

mkvc

May 26, 2015

Such authenticity and sense of purpose.

Timertom

May 26, 2015

My word, Although there's often such nice watches shared here on the Purists, its still ever so rare and such a treat to get to see this grade of watches. What top grade pieces. Thank you so much for letting us all enjoy the buzz! Rishad

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Breguet, Arnold, Smith Historic Watch Collection

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