Museo Galileo
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Watch, souscription type
    • Setting:
      Room XVIII
    • Maker:
      Breguet et Fils firm
    • Place:
      Paris
    • Date:
      1816
    • Materials:
      gold, enamel
    • Dimensions:
      diameter 62 mm
    • Inventory:
      3860
    • Watch, souscription type (Inv. 3860)
    • Watch, souscription type (Inv. 3860)

Watch with smooth case. The enamel dial has Arabic hour numerals and a single "eye" hand at the center—a typical feature of Breguet watches. The movement has separate bridges with rotating barrel. The escapement is of the ruby-cylinder type. The balance pivots hold the "parachute" suspension designed by the Parisian clockmaker for shock protection. Breguet invented a cheap, simple watch that could be produced in small runs thanks to a subscription and down-payment system, hence the name souscription. The secret signature—invented by Breguet as a protection from imitators and counterfeiters—was etched on the dial with a diamond tip guided by a pantograph.