Piron

• gilt brass full plate verge movement signed C Piron further engraved AB, turned baluster pillars, fusee and gut line, plain steel two-arm balance, pinned balance cock, wheel and click set up • gilt dial engraved with birds and foliage, silver chapter ring with Roman numerals, silver chapter ring for date, inner silver gilt ring engraved with indications for the months, signs of the zodiac and seasons, fan form sector for days of the week, twin Omega shaped aperture for ages and phases of the moon • large silver oval case, the front cover with engraved monogram under a crown and with the letters MDL, bordered by engraved scrolling decoration, the case back centred by the sun and with similar scroll borders, the band engraved with a table showing the rising and setting of the sun throughout the year, tulip pendant with loose ring, the inside of case and covers plain

Previously mentioned in the Gelis Collection.

Samuel Guye et Henri Michel, Preface by Landau, N., Mesures du Temps et de L'Espace, 1970, Bibliotèque des Arts Paris, p.90-91, ill. 51.

Movement running slowly, adjustments for the calendar functions are recommended for full service. Very interesting table for month and solar indication on the band. A very rare and complicated watch from that period.
"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."

Baillie notes that Christophe Piron, from Blois, was married in 1597  and was a horologist of repute.

Piron or Pyron is mentioned for a similar oval astronomical watch in the Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Tardy, p. 524.