A quarter striking skeleton table regulator with remontoire, Constantin Louis Detouche, Paris, circa 1850

3¾-inch enamel dial with centre seconds, pin wheel escapement with remontoire powered by tandem spring barrels, the hour and quarter striking trains with count wheels and acting on a top-mounted nest of three bells, grid-iron pendulum, the open frame signed on a plaque C Detouche A Paris, on a black marble plinth

Dial in generally good condition but with cip to the centre. Movement is complete but is not in running condition and will require cleaning and service, steel suspension to pendulum is broken. With pendulum, two remontoire weights but no winder
"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."

C. L. Detouche, a fine and ingenious maker, had premises at Rue de Venise in the 1820's and then moved to Rue Saint-Martin. He devised many interesting horological mechanisms in association with Robert Houdin, Brisbart Gobert and Oudin. He took an early interest in electrical horology, and in 1851 patented an electro-magnetic clock. One of these clocks was exhibited in Electrifying Time, The Science Museum, London, December 1976-April 1977 and is illustrated in the booklet (published Antiquarian Horological Society) plate 6. The dial is signed C. Detouche Fournisseur de L'Empereur Rue St. Martin No's 228 and 230 Paris.

For examples of skeleton clocks with glass bells by this maker, see Derek Roberts, Continental and American Skeleton Clocks, figs. 100 a&b and F. B. Royer-Collard, Skeleton Clocks figs. 5-32 & 5-33. Also see Sotheby's New York, April 2004, lot 27.

For one of Detouche's most innovative and unique pieces, a soothsayers automaton clock, see Sotheby's, New York, Masterpieces from the Time Museum, December 2, 1999, lot 58