J. N. ADORNO

The Movement:

• 17 lignes gilt two train movement, lever escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance,  movement signed J.N. Adorno Mexico & London, stem wind with pin setting for time, slide repeat



The Dials:



• the front: dial with a detailed revolving map of the Southern Hemisphere seen from the South Pole and painted in turquoise and tones of beige, with blued steel chapter ring, calibrated for 24-hours and divided 1-12 twice, numerals engraved on polished steel stars with a window at 12 o'clock to show month, day and date on three concentric silver chapter rings, further with independent center seconds hand beating one second intervals, with lock on band, the crystal with a semi-circular shaded area to indicate night time hours • the reverse: dial with similar revolving map of the northern hemisphere seen from the North Pole, both maps signed J.N. Adorno's patent, surrounded by two blued steel revolving rings marked with principal stars and geared to a revolving moon half polished and half blued steel to indicate the phases of the moon, the calendar work and moon phases manually advanced by a single slide



The Case:



• the case chased with interlaced ribbonwork, enameled with two laurel sprays with translucent  green leaves tied by red enamel bows and also signed in champlevé white enamel J.N. Adorno's Geographical and Astronomical Watch No.,1 Made by the Inventor, with unusual crown set up composed of a sphere rotating within a fluted gold bow with hinged suspension loop, the band fitted with similarly chased slide for the repeat, start /stop button for the independent seconds and calendar setting slide

Mexican Collection

Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, June 10th-12th, 1980, lot 721

Antiquorum, Geneva, October 12th, 1980, lot 151

Robert Howard, New York from 1980 until the present

 

Highly unusual and unique piece, Running The repeat is very resonant, Calendar function not setting Reccomend overhaul Bezel enamel with some losses to red on the leafage, the name Adorno on the bezel with some restoration,to the top of D O and R now discolored, scratches to the tint on the nocturnal portion of the crystal, blued steel dial surrounds rubbed,,
"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 signature on the present lot of J.N. Adorno is most likely that of Juan Nepomuceno Adorno, (1807-1880) born in Mexico City, an inventor, engineer, astronomer, cartographer, philosopher, author and musicologist, was considered by many as ahead of his time and by others as being quite eccentric

He was probably best known for his writings on Utopian societies described in his book, Introduction to the Harmony of the Universe, published in 1851. The book was first published in English when he was living in London. The book was later expanded and republished in Spanish in Mexico in 1862.

Adorno was described as an indefatigable inventor, he was known to submit to the Mexican authorities a great variety of inventions between the 1860's and 1870's ranging from armaments, accounting devices, including a "kaleidoscopic machine"  which was meant to avoid falsification of official documents, a musical machine which simultaneously produced sound and transcribed musical notes. Some of his inventions were shown at the 1855 Imperial Exposition in Paris.

Our research was unable to locate mention of his interests in horology, but his knowledge of science and of astronomy are well-noted. Evidence of his pride can be judged by the number of times his name appears on this watch, this watch No.1 is possibly the only watch made by Adorno, both dials are signed J.N. Adorno patent, the case rim and the movement, are also prominently signed.