Swiss

• miniature jeweled cylinder movement, blued screws • hinged gold cuvette • silvered guilloché dial, Roman numerals and outer minute track, summer flower decoration to the centre • yellow gold open-faced case, very fine engine-turned hinged case back

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing however the barrel-arbor is very small and therefore a custom-made key will be required for winding. Very nice patina to the dial, the Roman numerals are intact. Very light scuffs to the glass. Very fine and nice guilloché case back. Overall in very good condition. Museum quality.
"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."

Miniature watches are very rare and are considered master pieces in the horological world.  Ami Doehner (1806-1866) was a pioneer in creating such watches and contributed to establishing Geneva’s fame during the first part of the 19^th century. This watch is similar in size to Amy Doehner’s enamel one which today belongs in the world-renowned Watchmaking, Jewellery and Enamelling museum of Geneva.
According to Jaquet/Chapuis in Histoire et technique de la montre Suisse, three 4 lignes (approximately  11.28 mm) ‘ébauche‘ signed Henry Sordet were sold respectively  to Tsar Alexandre II, Emperor Napoléon III and a Genevan watchmaker of the Fürstin Werde family in 1850. 
Tthe most popular era for these ultra-thin small watches was the mid-19^th century when companies like Bautte & Cie made amazing watches with cylinders, as this one is. A similar example can be seen in the British Museum in London.

This watch can be considered as a prime example of the exceptional ability of Swiss manufacturing during the first part of the 19^th century.

Estelle Fallet & Anne Baezner, Genava 2010, n.s., LVIII, p. 229