Michael Johnson, London

• gilt full plate verge movement, pierced and engraved balance cock, fuse and chain, elaborately pierced pillars • champlevé dial, Roman numerals, Arabic outer track, embossed and engraved Lion and Unicorn • polished inner case, outer tortoiseshell piqué case with foliate scroll decoration inset with mother-of-pearl designs and shell motifs • dial and movement signed Mich. Johnson, London

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing and is in very good condition. The dial with some scratches and small areas of black wax lacking to the numerals. The inner case with small indentations to the band and scuffs throughout. The outer piqué case with some areas of restoration, the bezel with a small hole where the tortoiseshell is lacking. Overall this is a very beautiful example of a decorative art technique which no longer exists.
"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."

Piqué is the application of gold, silver and sometimes mother-of-pearl on tortoiseshell. This very beautiful decorative art was developed in France in the early 17th Century and was passed down from generation to generation. In 1685, at its height the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes forced thousands of Hugenots to leave France and come to England, bringing the art of piqué with them.

This type of tortoiseshell piqué work is often found on items such as snuff boxes, étuis, fan sticks, lorgnettes and cane heads. It is very rare to find it on a watch case especially one of English origin.