Breguet Marine Chronometer, 1989

Chronomètre de marine Breguet, 1989

Description of the Chronometer

Breguet marine chronometer, year 1989, presented in a highly precious display case.

Case: silver-gilt with rock crystal panels, cabochon emeralds and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Bezel / movement cage: set with diamonds; twelve diamonds in total, the largest serving as an index.
Movement: manual winding No. 2092, skeletonized and finely hand-engraved, 5-day power reserve.
Back: rock crystal.
Dimensions: 114 × 114 × 143 mm.
Case number: 2805.

A contemporary collector’s piece, designed as a tribute to Breguet’s historic marine chronometers.

Overhaul and Servicing

This piece was entrusted to me for a complete overhaul. Due to its open-worked architecture and the use of precious materials, the intervention required utmost care.

The movement was fully dismantled, each component cleaned and inspected. Friction points were corrected, pivots checked, and lubrication performed with appropriate oils. The functions were then adjusted to restore the stable performance expected of a five-day power reserve.

The case was carefully cleaned and refreshed, respecting the original finish: rock crystal panels, diamond settings, emerald cabochons, and gilded parts. After reassembly, the timepiece was tested over an extended period.

This chronometer is believed to have passed through an auction (exact year unknown). The overhaul was carried out several years ago, restoring reliable operation and a presentation worthy of Breguet’s legacy.

Historical Notes

Founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747–1823), the maison shaped precision horology (tourbillon, balance springs, escapements) and was appointed Horloger de la Marine to the French Royal Navy in 1815. Breguet marine chronometers guided navigation during the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the late 1980s, Breguet produced modern pieces paying tribute to this heritage: skeletonized and hand-engraved movements, mounted in luxurious cases adorned with gems, designed for collectors rather than seafaring use. This 1989 chronometer perfectly reflects that artistic and patrimonial approach.

Conclusion

A union of Breguet’s historic horological expertise and contemporary jewel-like artistry, this 1989 chronometer is a rare collector’s piece. The careful servicing restored its full presence: a living skeletonized movement illuminated through rock crystal, in a case that celebrates the legacy of marine chronometers.