Swiss

• gilt full plate cylinder movement • white enamel dial, Breguet numerals, apparent balance wheel highlighted with rose-cut diamonds, blue enamel background with engraved organic decorations • pink gold gold case in a shape of a strawberry, the back of the fruit in red enamel and split pearls for seed, green translucent enamel at the top for the engraved leaves highlighted with rose-cut diamonds, front cover similarly decorated, gold stem form the pendant

The movement is not running and needs a service. Enamel, pearls and diamonds in good conditon.
"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."

We term “montres de forme” those which were in high fashion from the 16^th until the mid-19^th century. These unconventional watches with various forms and appearance (fruits, flowers, musical instruments) are often worn as a pendant, chatelaine or brooch. Their sophisticated aspect is enhanced by the noble materials used:  enamel, gold, pearls and diamonds. These works of art are typical of Genevian production.
By the end of the 18^th century, Genevian watchmakers were able to mass-produce conventional movements. This ability lead them to work on more difficult mechanisms, such as miniature mass-produced movements. These movements were combined with beautiful fantasy watches and accessorises, as we see here with this watch.
These very attractive objects were designed for the wealthy Genevian clientele. The fame of their enamelling industry in Geneva meant that they attracted the best artists in Europe. Geneva’s notoriety as a centre for enamelling still exists today.

A similar watch is published in Alfred Chapuis, La Montre Chinoise, p. 227

For more information see Estelle Fallet, Décor, Design & Industrie, Les Arts appliqués à Genève, 2011, p. 147-155