106th Auction

2022/5/21

Lot 328

Henri Perregaux

A heavy pocket chronometer with pivoted detent escapement

Sold

estimated
2.8004.000 €
Price realized
3.400 €
specific features
Case
18 K gold, case maker's punch mark "MB".
Dial
Enamel.
Movement
Bridge movement, keywind, helical balance spring, large gold screw compensation balance.
Case no.13138
Diam.55 mm
Circa1870
Ctry.Switzerland
Wt.125 g


Henri Perregaux (1828-1893) took over the family business when he was still quite young, because his father died very early. The watchmaking company, however, began to flounder and in 1860 Perregaux had to close it down and start working for Constant Girard-Perregaux, his brother-in-law. When Girard-Perregaux decided to open a branch in the New World, he made Henri Perregaux head of this new sales office.
Perregaux and his wife travelled to Buenos Aires in October 1865 and he began setting up as representative for Girard-Perregaux in a number of North and South American States. Around 1872 Perregaux extended his business area to the West Indies.
Henri Perregaux worked tirelessly for 16 years, promoting the brand of Girard-Perregaux and turning it into one of the major players in all the American markets. He retired from the business and returned to Switzerland in 1881.