The illustrious Gioachino Rossini once owned Breguet watch number 4604, a simple, modestly sized design displaying the date. It featured an engine-turned gold case, an off-centred silver dial and a lever escapement. This high-quality timepiece was initially purchased by the banker Schickler in 1828 for 3,600 French francs. By the 1830s, the watch had passed to a certain Mr Church. It was then owned by Rossini, who had it serviced in 1843. After the composer’s death, in 1868, his widow continued to have the piece serviced by Breguet.