Antique Early 19th Century Breguet à Paris Verge Fusee Pocket Watch – Napoleon I

An extraordinary and highly significant piece of early 19th-century French horology, crafted during the era of the First French Empire. Signed by the prestigious maker “Breguet à Paris,” this remarkable timepiece was commissioned for the highest echelons of French society and carries profound Imperial provenance.

The heavy, bulbous “Oignon” shaped case is cast in bronze and thickly plated in 18k gold. The exterior case back is a masterpiece of Imperial iconography, featuring the personal monogram of Emperor Napoleon I Bonaparte—a large, applied golden ‘N’ resting on a bed of rich, translucent red enamel, surmounted by the Imperial Crown and framed by a victorious laurel wreath. Opening the watch reveals a breathtaking hand-painted polychrome enamel dial depicting Jacques-Louis David’s iconic motif of Napoleon crossing the Alps on his majestic warhorse, surrounded by a crisp white chapter ring with Roman numerals. Furthermore, the inner case cover displays a beautiful red enamel cross integrated with classical French fleur-de-lis motifs, signifying the complex transition of royal and imperial power during this turbulent era.

Detailed Specifications

• Maker: Breguet à Paris (Prominently signed on the gilded movement plate)

• Origin: Paris, France

• Era: Early 19th Century (First French Empire)

• Case Material: 18k Gold-Plated Bronze

• Case Profile & Dimensions: Traditional thick French “Oignon” shape; 46mm diameter (excluding pendant and bow).

• Exterior Motif: Applied Imperial Crown and ‘N’ Monogram over red enamel, framed by a golden laurel wreath.

• Interior Motif: Applied cross and fleur-de-lis motif with a red enamel center on the cuvette.

• Dial: Polychrome enamel center portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte on horseback, bordered by a white chapter ring with black Roman numerals. Front-winding aperture located at the 2 o’clock position.

• Hands: Delicate, ornate gilt hands featuring pierced fleur-de-lis styling.

• Movement: Antique mechanical verge fusee with chain. The heavy, full-plate gilded movement features a beautifully hand-pierced and floral-engraved golden balance bridge (coq) and a silvered Tompion-style regulator dial.

• Accessories: Comes complete with a properly fitted antique winding and setting key.

• Operational Status: Perfect working condition. The key-wind movement operates smoothly, the delicate fusee chain is fully intact, and it keeps highly reliable time for an antique verge escapement.

Condition Report

• Case: Exceptional antique condition. The 18k gold-plated bronze case retains a brilliant, deep golden luster with a warm patina. The red enamel on the reverse is vivid and intact, highlighting the Imperial monogram perfectly. The substantial hinges are strong and the heavy Oignon covers snap shut securely.

• Dial: The enamel dial is in outstanding condition. The central portrait of Napoleon is remarkably vibrant and detailed, showing no significant fading. The surrounding white enamel chapter ring is clean and free of any distracting chips or deep hairline fractures.

• Mechanical: The gilded plates of the Breguet movement are immaculately clean, showing no signs of oxidation. The hand-engraved details on the balance bridge remain completely sharp.

Shipping & Handling This highly significant piece of French Imperial history is an investment-grade antiquity. It will be packaged with the utmost professional care, utilizing highly secure, tracked, and fully insured expedited international shipping to ensure its absolute safety during transit. Please thoroughly review all high-resolution macro photography provided to fully appreciate the outstanding condition, vibrant enamel artistry, and mechanical integrity of this historic Breguet presentation watch prior to purchasing. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding its dimensions, history, or mechanical functions.