An attractive Louis XIV ormolu mounted boulle inlaid table clock, Gribelin

21.5-cm matted gilt dial with foliate relief centre, blue cartouche Roman numerals and outer minute marking, fine pierced blued hands, a foliate pierced mount below with birds between branches and foliate scrolls and on a plain gilt ground, enamel plaque signed Gribelin, movement with five baluster pillars and numbered countwheel striking on a bell signed Gribelin A Paris converted to Brocot escapement, case with ogee sided top and scrolled leaves to the corners surmounted by eight finials throughout with fine engraved boulle inlay, break arch cornice with female mask above the shaped moulded glazed door, further masks to the sides, shaped base with scrolls to the sides raised on engraved foliate toupee feet

dial in good original slightly dirty condition, gilding/enamel and hands all fine, movement able to function and in good condition, converted to Brocot escapement and therefore longer pendulum, well restored countwheel (slightly different colour), case of good quality in original slightly dirty condition, a thin strip of wood has been placed under the top for no apparent reason, all mounts dirty but the gilding appears to be intact, quality of the boulle work very good, the brass parts have extra engraving and large parts are just left turtleshell which is very attractive, together with a winder, pendulum, doorkey, pin for starting the pendulum from the front.
"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."

Nicholas Gribelin, one of the great French clockmakers from the end of the XVII century, was born in the clockmaking center of Blois in 1637, the son of another clockmaker, Abraham Gribelin. He held the title of Horloger de Monsieur le Dauphin, who was the son of Louis XIV, from 1674 and was received at the Faubourg St. Germain as Master in 1675. For the cases of his clocks he frequently collaborated with Andre Charles Boulle. The inventory of the Dauphin's clocks in 1689 included four by Nicholas Gribelin. His work is represented in many museum collections. He died in 1719.

Lit.; Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Paris, 1971, p. 274.