Albert H. Potter & Co., Geneva

* bi-metallic compensation balance, glazed cuvette * white enamel dial with hairlines, four subsidiary dials indicating day, date, month combined with leap year indication and constant seconds combined with phases and ages of the moon * later polished case, repeat slide in the band, hinged back * case, dial and movement signed

The movement is not running. It is fully wound and would appear to need cleaning. There are scratches to the bridges and plates. The repeat hammers function, however the gongs appear to be out of place and as a result, the sound it makes is a thud rather than a ring. The repeat appears to be out of phase as well. The hands are currently not setting and the subsidiary seconds hand is loose underneath the crystal. The movement is numbered 327. The inner cuvette is lacking the glazed panel. The dial has a few hairlines to the subsidiary seconds dial and the main dial, just to the right of that subsidiary, near V. The case shows general wear and surface scuffs. The inside of the hinged back has the Albert H. Potter & Co. Trademark stamp. The logo is suspect and therefore has raised suspicion. There are no gold marks on the case. The case has probably had the front central panel modified from a full hunter to a glazed hunter case.
"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."

Albert H. Potter was born in Saratoga County, New York in 1830 and served his apprenticeship in Albany. In 1855, he established himself in New York City. He spent five years working in Cuba and later returned to the United States and organized a watch company with his brother William Cleveland Potter.

In 1876, he moved to Geneva where he produced approximately 600 watches. His complicated watches sold for prices beginning at $250.

Potter remains the most celebrated American maker of pocket chronometers. The present example incorporates many features unique to Potter's production, including his patented safety barrel, his own form of pivoted detent, the arrangement of the passing spring and his method of securing the movement in the case.

During his career Albert H. Potter created such a small number of watches that a perpetual calendar example, such as the present, is especially unusual and rare.