Lot 122
  • 122

Continental

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 CHF
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Description

  • A FINE AND RARE GOLD AND ENAMEL VERGE WATCH WITH A POLYCHROME SCENE DEPICTING MONTGOLFIER'S HOT AIR BALLOON CIRCA 1785
  • diameter 42.5 mm
• gilt full plate verge movement, pierced and engraved balance bridge, fusee and chain, regulation dial • white enamel dial, Roman and Arabic numerals, beetle and poker hands • circular case with royal blue enamel and seed pearls set rope twist band, green enamel and rope twist bezel, the back with a polychrome enamel panel depicting Frères Montgolfier's public hot air balloon above the crowds in a cloudy sky • signed on the back enamel panel on the foreground 'Montre à la Mongolfier'

Condition

Movement not running while cataloguing, a service is recommended for it to be fully operational and well preserved. Enamel in good condition. The circular case with one seed pearl missing to the band, some small visible signs of wear, the back panel with slight scuffs to the surface, a missing part visible to the green translucent outer ring with also some signs of restorations. Overall, this is a very interesting piece relating as a testimony the first air balloon flights initiated by the Frères Montgolfier in 1783.
"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."