Antique c.1810 Breguet 18k Vermeil Enamel Repeater Pocket Watch / Chinese Market

An extraordinary, museum-quality antique 18k gilt silver (vermeil) and polychrome enamel quarter repeater pocket watch by the legendary watchmaker Breguet à Paris. Created circa 1810, this masterpiece was specially commissioned for the Chinese Royal Court during the Qing Dynasty and features a magnificent, highly detailed enamel portrait of Emperor Jiaqing.

Combining supreme historical provenance with high-complication horology, this timepiece features a rare, high-grade ruby cylinder repeater movement. It is offered in perfect cosmetic and mechanical condition and comes complete with a winding key and a certified appraisal for $15,000 USD.

Historical Context & Provenance

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the European horological trade cultivated a highly specialized market producing magnificent, bespoke timepieces for the Eastern royals, most notably the Imperial Court of China. Master watchmakers in Paris and Switzerland crafted pieces of breathtaking visual and mechanical complexity to meet the exacting tastes of the Qing Dynasty emperors.

This specific Breguet à Paris creation dates to the reign of Emperor Jiaqing (1796–1820). The case showcases a painstakingly  polychrome enamel portrait of the Emperor himself, rendered in traditional imperial yellow robes and winter court headdress. Surviving examples of European-made timepieces featuring direct portraits of Chinese emperors are exceptionally scarce, making this an artifact of immense cultural and horological significance.

Technical Specifications & Details

• Maker: Breguet à Paris (Clearly signed on the inner cuvette with serial number No. 4302)

• Circa: 1810

• Case Material: 18k Gilt Silver (Vermeil)

• Dimensions: Oversize case measuring 57mm in diameter

• Dial: Immaculate white enamel dial featuring crisp black Roman numerals, an outer Arabic minute track, and elegant blued steel hands.

• Enamel Work: The case exhibits a flawlessly preserved, vivid polychrome enamel portrait of Emperor Jiaqing.

• Movement: High-grade gilt brass Ruby Cylinder escapement.

• Complication: Quarter Repeater. Notably, this advanced movement utilizes a sophisticated 2-hammer and 2-gong system (whereas a vast majority of repeaters from this era utilize a single hammer and two gongs), producing a rich, resonant chime. Intricate polished steel work and blued screws are visible throughout the pristine caliber.

• Winding/Setting: Key-wind and key-set (winding key included).

Condition Report

• Mechanical: Perfect working order. The watch winds smoothly, keeps time, and the quarter repeater complication chimes crisply and accurately on demand.

• Cosmetic: Perfect antique condition. The 18k vermeil finish remains rich and lustrous. The exquisite enamel portrait is flawlessly preserved with no visible chips, hairlines, or restorations. The white enamel dial is pristine, and the original hands remain intact.

What is Included in the Sale

• Antique c.1810 Breguet à Paris 18k Vermeil Enamel Quarter Repeater

• Proper fitting winding/setting key

• Official Appraisal Certificate validating the authenticity and an estimated replacement value of $15,000

Shipping & Handling

This exceptional historical artifact will be treated with the utmost care. It will be professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped via expedited international courier service (FedEx/DHL) with mandatory signature confirmation required upon delivery.

Please carefully review all high-resolution photographs as they represent the exact item you will receive and serve as part of the description. Serious inquiries from established collectors are welcome.