Gautrin

• gilt cylinder movement, standing barrel and escapement on one side, calendar functions on the other side, the plate signed Gautrin Invenit et Fecit • polychrome enamel dials attributed to Cotteau: on the front side hour and minute indication, one gold hand for the days of the week symbolised by mythological figures and the other blued steel for the date; on the back side, an enamel waterfront scene in the centre, aperture for 24 hours, sun rise and sun set functioning through two moving steel cap hiding the time for which the sun appears, moon-phases, month indication, outer ring for all zodiac signs • dial and movement signed Gautrin Invenit et Fecit

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. 93 and 94.

Movement running while cataloguing, all functions of the calendar might certainly need adjustment. Dial with visible hairlaines, cracks and chips. Case with very small signs of wear. This watch is a very fine and rare example of an astronomical 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."

Pierre Laurent Gautrin (1755-1823) trained as a casemaker, was received as master on September 3, 1767. He is recorded in the Place Dauphine in 1772. He established himself at the Cour du Palais, where he was listed as early as 1768.

This watchmaker is most well known for selling a gold single wheel watch to Louis XVI, King of France, for which he petitioned for an award in 1799. That watch, which made him famous, is fully described in the reference book by Yves Droz and Joseph Flores, Montre à une roue, France, 1998.

A similar watch to this astronomical one, signed Gautrin Paris No. 481 Invenit & Fecit, is described in the book by Cecil Clutton and George Daniels, Clocks and Watches in the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in London.