This splendid arched timepiece holds a fascinating history, inextricably linked to the figure of Michel Dumont de Chassart (1905-1978).

The profound connection between the man and the clock is documented by the certificate of origin issued by Breguet, which bears witness to the sale of the piece on January 23, 1943 to Michel Dumont de Chassart.

Michel was born in 1905 in Nivelles, Belgium, into the renowned Dumont de Chassart family. In 1948, he traveled to Africa for what was supposed to be just a short vacation, but he became so captivated by those lands that he decided to settle there permanently, choosing Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) as his new home. There, he founded an agricultural estate that became the cornerstone of the Surrey Group. Under his leadership, the company grew exponentially to become a true leader in the beef and poultry production market.

The historical importance of this piece lies in its dual nature: it is not only a superb example of vintage high watchmaking craftsmanship by Breguet, but it also represents a silent and intimate witness that accompanied the life and journeys of a great twentieth-century entrepreneurial pioneer.