VACHERON CONSTANTIN AND VERGER FRÈRES | A POSSIBLY UNIQUE, IMPRESSIVE AND LARGE ONYX, EMERALD, CORAL, SODALITE, LAPIS LAZULI, AGATE AND DIAMOND-SET ART DECO DESK CLOCK WITH WHITE JADE DIAL, MOVEMENT BY VACHERON CONSTANTIN, CASE BY VERGER FRÈRES AND FITTED PRESENTATION BOX, RETAILED BY LINZELER & MARCHAK, MADE IN 1927

Dial: white jade and diamond-set indexesCalibre: mechanicalMovement number: 404’216Case: onyx base with agate feet, decorated with emerald, coral, sodalite, lapis lazuli and agateSize: 210 mm length x 85 mm width x 235 mm heightSigned: movement signed and numberedAccessories: original fitted travel case

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is intact and in very attractive and original condition and still display nicely with the art-deco carvings. The art-deco numerals are all in very good condition with all diamonds intact. The art-deco hands are beautifully carved with all diamonds intact. The case itself is exceptionally made. The base is intact with no signs of damage. The columns are slightly discoloured with age around the rims but are in excellent condition. The case back is also in excellent condition. All feet are intact with only a very minor chip to the foot at the front left. The parrots themselves are carved from agate and has some minor discolouration with some natural inclusions in the stones. The parrots are beautifully carved and the smaller parrot with some discoloration to the agate at the top. The branches at the centre are missing two emerald beads. Accompanied by its original fitted travel box, this box is in exceptional overall condition considering its age and it's much larger from other clocks from the same period. 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."

Vacheron Constantin and Verger Frères partnered during the Art-Deco period to create some of the most iconic and beautifully crafted desk clocks. These new types of clocks often small and decorated with precious materials offered a new scope for engravers and enamellers to run wild with their imaginations. The use of hardstone including rock crystal, lapis lazuli, onyx, jade, coral, rubies and diamonds, resulted in some of the finest clocks in the period, which were often enhanced and mounted in yellow or white gold. The dials were usually set with diamond-set hands and numerals. The present clock in outstanding and original condition is fresh to the market and still retaining its original fitted travel case. This clock is much larger than one would expect from these two houses in the Art Deco period.  

Chinese culture often associates birds with symbolic significance. Parrots are distinguished not only by their longevity, but also by their talkative nature and colourful feathers. They are regarded as a symbol of marital happiness and noble life due to the parrots’ long lifespan.