Attributed to Antoine Rojard

• full plate brass movement with fixed barrel and early form of continental lateral lever escapement • eccentric white enamel dial, Breguet numerals, oval dark blue background, aperture to the top for balance, blued-steel Breguet hands • pearl-set bezel, hinged to the decorative shank, case back with winding, setting and regulating apertures

Movement running while cataloguing, all functions appear fully operational however it may require a service in the future to be well preserved. Dial in a well preserved condition. Case with some signs of wear usual but on the whole in good condition. Overall this is a well preserved example with a ring with highly unusual display for the visible balance.
"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."

Very few makers were capable of making ring watches, considered a marvel of watchmaking. Around 1800, only Piguet et Capt, Antoine Rojard, and Pierre Simon Gounouilhou were known to have made them. Among sixty ring watches from that period are known. The present one is in the style of Antoine Rojard, whose fame derives from his ring watch, which according to legend, was worn by Napoleon Bonaparte. He and Humbert were practically the only competitors to Jaquet-Droz and his circle. In a letter to Frisard, Leschot writes about a certain worker "I think it best to treat him with tact....He could harm us by going over to Humbert or Rojard."

The present piece is unusual also on account of having early form of lateral lever escapement. There is only one other ring watch from this period is known with this form of escapement.