149 Breguet Historically Important and Highly Decorative, Desk Clock in Silver and Enamel, Delivered to King Fuad I of Egypt, With Original Box and Winding Key

Estimate: €15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Desk Watch
Case Material: Silver and Enamel
Year: 1920s
Movement: Manual
Case N°: B1020
Dimensions: 34 × 66 × 70 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box and Key

In the course of history, table clock has always decorated desks of many people. Time only, complicated, object of design, with a simple aesthetic, they were explored in many ways, exactly like wristwatches. And exactly like wristwatches, also the desk ones were subject to specific requests from important customers that the brands were happy to satisfy. The present historically interesting silver and enamel desk clock is one of those and features the crown engraving of His Highness King Fuad I of Egypt at the base. It is believed that the present timepiece is one among six pieces sold to him in 1925 and made upon his special request. At the time, the cost was 3688 French francs. Even the Breguet fitted presentation box bears the royal symbol, attesting the importance of His Highness. Both His Highness King Fuad I, and the two of his sons Farouk and Fuad II were well known for their passion for horology. The first one loved enameled examples of both wrist and pocket watch while the second most notably received one of the most complicated Vacheron Constantin open face watches ever made, a “Grande and Petite sonnerie” moon phase astronomical clock watch with a perpetual calendar, split seconds chronograph with 30-minute instantaneous recorder and alarm, with power reserve indicators for both the going and the striking trains. Today, it resides in the museum of Vacheron Constantin. The present desk watch is a very solid creation in silver with engraved frontal surface and triangle decoration made in blue, black and light blue enamel that is also recalled on the hands. The watch is also sold with its original box and charging key.