Antique French Silver Pocket Watch “Lebreton à Montfort-sur-Meu” - 1850-1900

Antique French silver pocket watch, signed “Lebreton à Montfort s/Meu”, with a Swiss mechanical lever movement. A substantial and attractive antique pocket watch dating from the late 19th century, possibly earlier, featuring a finely finished silver case and a traditional Swiss mechanical movement. The inside of the case is engraved: “Lebreton à Montfort s/Meu” indicating its association with Lebreton, an established watchmaker or retailer in Montfort-sur-Meu, Brittany, France. The case is made of silver 800/1000 and bears the French crab hallmark, together with maker's hallmarks. The total weight of the watch is approximately 87.3 grams and the case measures approximately 48 mm in diameter. The watch is fitted with a Swiss mechanical hand-wound lever movement, with gilt-coloured plates and bridges, a compensated balance and traditional period finishing. The movement bears the marking “Félix”. The combination of a French silver case signed by a local watchmaker/retailer and a Swiss mechanical movement is characteristic of the international horological trade of the period. Specifications - Type: Antique pocket watch - Period: Late 19th century, possibly earlier - Case: Silver 800/1000 - Hallmark: French crab silver hallmark - Additional marks: Maker's hallmarks - Case signature: “Lebreton à Montfort s/Meu” - Movement: Swiss mechanical movement - Winding: Manual winding - Escapement: Lever - Movement marking: “Félix” - Diameter: approx. 48 mm - Total weight: approx. 87.3 g Condition and functionality The watch is offered in its original antique condition. The movement is visually clean and appears complete. It winds correctly and the movement starts running when wound, but it stops after a few seconds. The movement therefore requires professional servicing and adjustment by a qualified watchmaker before it can be used reliably. The reason for the stoppage has not been investigated. No recent service history is known. Accuracy and power reserve have not been tested and cannot be guaranteed. The silver case, dial and movement show signs of age and use, including minor scratches, marks and natural patina consistent with the age of the watch. Please carefully examine all photographs, which form an integral part of this description. A charming and substantial antique French silver pocket watch with a Swiss lever movement, signed “Lebreton à Montfort s/Meu”, offered as a restoration project for collectors and enthusiasts of antique horology.

Estimate:$1.12

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