A fine gilt-mounted marble and turtleshell grande sonnerie organ clock, Swiss

5½-inch enamel dial signed Robert et Fils et Cie, with concentric calendar and trellis hands, strike/not strike lever at III, the circular movement number 5761 with silk suspension and sun mask pendulum, the cadrature mounted on the backplate and striking on two bells, the drum case surmounted by an urn and supported by black and white marble columns with urn finials rising from a shaped base decorated with gilt mounts , with toupie feet, a circular enamel armorial plaque pendant below VI,  an detent leading from the movement releasing the organ at every hour; the organ mechanism driven by a double fusee and chain arrangement, the pinned wood barrel playing a selection of twelve tunes on seventeen pipes, the tune changed automatically , the rectangular marble case with ormolu-mounted doors on each side, the corners with stop-fluted pilasters and a musical trophy at the front, the top with berried corner finials to a balustrade  and decorated with turtleshell and brass lozenge parquetry,

Dial with some old restoration. Clock movement appears to be complete but is in need of a clean and overhaul, two hammers replaced. Clock case gilding rubbed in places, restoration to armorial plaque, minor chipping to the marble, feet bent. Organ movement will run but in need of a clean, pipes need adjustment and bellows will require attention. Organ case with similar rubbing to the gilding, some losses to the parquetry but generally in good original condition throughout. With pendulum but no winders.
"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 firm of Josué Robert et Fils was founded by Josué Robert (1691-1771) in Chaux de Fonds. Working alone he became highly regarded as a maker of fine clocks and was appointed Clockmaker to the King of Prussia.  Robert was then joined by his sons David and Louis Benjamin and eventually by Louis Benjamin's son Aimé. Following the deaths of David (1769), Josué (1771) and Louis Benjamin (1781), Louis Courvoisier joined the business and et Cie was added.  The name was changed again in 1787 to J Robert et Fils, Courvoisier.

The arms are those of Chapuis de Bosquet of Toulouse.