JAPANESE | A FINE AND RARE STRIKING HANGING BELL-CLOCK, CIRCA 1810

Dial: revolving gilt dial, sliding silver plate with day and night movable Japanese hoursCalibre: gilt brass, full plate double trainCase: bronze in a form of temple bellSize: 154 mm diameter and 250 mm heightAccessories: stand with mirror based for display the time

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The striking time function is working and the sound is in phase and deep but an adjustment of striking by professional watchmaker is suggested. The movement is in original and very good condition for its age, no obvious sign of tarnishing. The dial at the bottom is in good condition, with spotting and light signs of tarnishing on the dial and chapter ring. The case is in good and original condition and is nice and heavy with minor sign of wear, which is consistent with its age. The stand with mirror is later and in good condition. The bell clock is in very good overall condition and it is an interesting and rare timepiece. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Before the introduction of the European calendar on 1 January 1873, clocks made for the Japanese market were usually fitted with movable hours that were adjustable according to temporal time. The Japanese divided the day into two parts, from sunrise to sunset and from sunset to sunrise. Each of these parts was further divided into 6 equal hours. Throughout the year, the length of time between sunrise and sunset and sunset to sunrise changes constantly and hence the length of the 6 equal hours in each becomes longer or shorter depending on the time of the year. In most Japanese clocks, the hour indicators were adjusted by hand, usually on a weekly basis. The present striking bell-clock is in extremely well preserved condition and is still striking and running very efficiently.