Lot 27
  • 27

Mido

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 CHF
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Description

  • A RARE 18K YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH OFFERED BY ETTORE BUGATTI TO HIS GENERAL MANAGER MR. A WALTER CIRCA 1920
  • 18k yellow gold
  • height 35 mm, width 25 mm
• manual winding movement, 15 jewels • grille design silvered dial, black painted Arabic numerals • screw down crown and red enamel medallion bearing "EB" initials at 12 o'clock, snap on case back • case, dial and movement signed

Condition

The movement is running while cataloguing however it may require a service in the future in order to be well preserved. The dial with some signs of ageing and shows some oxidation spots, numerals are fading due to its age. The glass shows 2 chips at 5 and 11 o'clock. The case shows some scuffs throughout. Overall this is one of the very few examples to have survive from that period. A great collectable for both car and watch collectors.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This watch was especially designed for the legendary car maker Bugatti in the early 1920s. It is distinguished by the fact that it is shaped like the radiator grille from the car manufacturer. This is a watch that one finds on rare occasions in such a well preserved condition with its red enamel logo inscribed EB for Ettore Bugatti. This model was only produced in small series during the 1920s and given to close relations of  Ettore Bugatti such as important clients or close members of his team in the factory.