Golay-Leresche

• gilt jeweled lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, the regulator in the form of a raised detailed lion couchant whose paws hold the curb pins, the bridges of the movement specially designed to spell London in graduated letters, signed gold cuvette • white enamel dial with floral and foliate decoration inset with gold Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds with star motif to the center, blued steel moon-style hands • engine-turned case with oval cartouche to the center of the front cover bordered by engraved floral and scroll decoration • cuvette signed and numbered, case numbered

Sotheby's New York, Fine Watches from the Atwood Collection, December 11th, 1986, lot 219.

The balance oscillates when wound, but the movement needs to be serviced. The dial is in excellent well-preserved condition. The engine-turning to the case is rubbed and faded slightly to the edges, but very well maintained to the center.
"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."

Auguste Golay's (1814-1895) extensive and influential watchmaking career began in Geneva in the early 1830s. In 1837, he founded Golay-Lereshe, incorporating the name of his wife, Susanne Lereshe. Upon his death, his sons Pierre and Louis partnered with Edouard Stahl and renamed the company Golay Fils & Stahl.

The present lot was likely created for the first Great Exhibition, inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1851, as the bridges of the movement were specially cut to spell LONDON and the inclusion of the Lion as the regulator. It was around this time that Victoria's five-pound coin was introduced which featured Victoria as Una leading the Lion.