GE1201

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Lot 256
  • 256

François Louis Godon

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 CHF
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Description

  • A YELLOW GOLD OPEN-FACED WATCH WITH DATE AND CONCEALED ENAMEL PORTRAIT OF KING CARLOS IV OF SPAINCIRCA 1790
  • yellow gold
  • diameter 60 mm
• gilt full plate movement, cylinder escapement • signed gilt cuvette • white enamel dial inscribed 'Soy de Don Franco de Soria y', Roman numerals, Arabic outer track calibrated for date, gold hands, blued steel date hand • case back engraved with a laurel wreath, concave bezel, hinged cover to the case back with concealed polychrome enamel portrait of King Carlos IV of Spain • cuvette and movement signed F. L. Gondon Ro. de Camara de S.M.C

Condition

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. The dial with very minor chip at VI, but overall in good condition. The enamel portrait in good condition. Case with light scuffs. It was custom in Spain for watches to bear inscriptions such as this which translated means 'I belong to Don Franco do Soria'.
"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

Charlos IV was the second son of Charles III and Maria Amalia of Saxony. He was especially known for his acts of kindness. In 1803, after his daughter María Luísa had been affected by smallpox, the king commissioned his doctor Francisco Javier de Balmis to send the vaccine to all of Spain's colonies on state expenses. The duration of his reign duration was 19 years and 96 days between 1788 and 1808.
François Louis Godon was famous for the clocks and watches he made for King Carlos IV. His full title later became 'Mechanical Expert and Clockmaker to the Chamber of his Catholic Majesty'. He supplied the Spanish Court with many clocks and watches as official agent and as the Kings purchaser.