Lepine

• gilt brass cylinder movement, standing barrel and wolf's tooth wheel train, Lepine calibre, three arm balance, flat balance spring, index regulator, gilt numbered cuvette • white enamel, Arabic and Roman numerals, outer track with red Arabic numerals, fleur-de-lys and arrow hands • gold case with a concealed hinge, bezels set with split-pearls, the back with enamel translucent green panel, in the centre a finely painted en grisaille miniature depicting Erato with a putto in a classical landscape, the outer border with paillons • case stamped GM (Guillaume Mermillod), Paris goldmarks 1789, signed on the dial Lepine Inv & Fecit.

Movement running while cataloguing, functions appear to be fully operational, a service is also recommended in the future in order to be well preserved. Dial with few minimal signs of wear, in a very well preserved condition. The case is in a very good condition, slightly scuffed to the surface. Overall this is a rare example from the period in a well preserved condition.
"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."

According to A. Chapiro's reference book "Jean-Antoine Lepine Horloger (1720-1814)", the mixed Roman and Arabic numerals were only used by Lépine for the dials of watches between numbers 5400 and 5700.
For a similar example by Lepine, see Britten's Old Clocks & Watches, 9th Edition, p. 199, pl.130.