Last week we auctioned a masterpiece from the most celebrated name in horology: a Breguet 18k gold, 1813 repeater. A combination of French luxury and early 19th-century craftsmanship, whose provenance includes French & American royalty.
According to Breguet archives, it was sold in 1813, to a Mr. Brouillet. Identifying Brouillet was intriguing. Our research suggested only two people. Jacques Brouillet, a 70-year old cleric, deputy to the Estates-General. Men of the cloth often appreciated fine horology, but Jacques lived a quiet provincial life at the time, making him an unlikely patron.
More likely it was Michel Brouillet, a French/American merchant and trader of Vincennes, Indiana. Almost 40 at the time, Michel was in his prime personally and financially. Wealthy fur traders frequently imported fine French goods through trade channels in Montreal and New Orleans. Watches, silver and furniture were commonly imported by wealthy French American settlers. The timing, status and wealth of Michel aligned seamlessly with Breguet’s elite clientele.
The watch next surfaced in 1821. Breguet issued a certificate of origin to Frédéric Nepveu, a distinguished French architect. Known for building the Palaces of Versailles and a confidante of King Louis-Philippe according to French archives.
In the 1970s, Breguet issued a certificate to Francis Hugue of Manhattan. The Breguet box is monogrammed “FHJ,” confirming Hugue as the last documented owner before us.
Centuries after it was made, Breguet represents not just mechanical brilliance but a tapestry linking frontier America, royal France, and modern New York. We paid $11,000 to a New York jeweler, and this horological treasure sold at our auction for $35,500.
