Piguet & Meylan

• the music work stamped PM and playing on sur plateau movement conforming to the box shape, music playing on demand by means of a lever fitted into a side panel • the box formed as a butterfly, its hinged wings vibrantly polychrome enameled to simulate wings in tones of sea green, plum, lavender, and powder blue, flanking the realistically engraved thorax, one wing concealing the watch and the other a snuff compartment • the watch with white enamel dial, regulator below 6 o'clock • within gold reserve the edges decorated with powder blue champlevé scallop motif, the sides and base decorated with opaque powder blue enamel, the sides spaced by champlevé enamel foliate motif, the base further framed within a border of champlevé enamel leafage heightened by turquoise, black and white enamel, the interior of one wing with casemakers stamp GR (Georges Reymond) within a lozenge

The top lids in good order and the enamel painting finely executed, in vivid tones. There are small enamel losses to the white stringing framing the side panels. There are some enamel losses to the side panels on the right, furthermore there are two small areas of enamel restoration. The base enamel generally with surface scratches, and some small chipping arond the music winding hole. The music work required a male key, both hands appear to have been shortened. the music is complete although not functioning and will require revision, the watch is also not working but complete.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The firm Piguet & Meylan was formed by Isaac-Daniel Piguet and Philippe Samuel Meylan in 1811. Piguet was born at Le Chenet in 1775. He settled in Geneva and became Burgher in 1812, one year after he had gone into partnership with Philippe Samuel Meylan to undertake the 'manufacture of watches, jewellery and mechanisms of all kinds.' Piguet specialized in complex watches with carillons and clock watches. Meylan was born in le Brassus in 1772 and is credited with adapting 'tongues of sonorous metal for the combs of musical movement suitable for watches and other small objects. He is responsible for the famous magician automaton boxes and barking dog automaton watches.'

Piguet & Meylan are particularly known for their watches made for the Chinese Market. As such, decoration was very important to the creation of all their pieces, and they employed some of the best enamel painters to decorate their watches. Examples of their works can be seen in many of the world's foremost collections, including the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Musée d'Horlogerie, Locle.