David Hubert, London

• gilt full plate verge movement, finely pierced and engraved balance cock with grotesque mask • white enamel dial, Roman numerals for hour indications and outer Arabic numerals for the minutes • plain inner case, outer case with dendritic agate cartouches surrounded by floral motif • movement signed David Hubert, London, no 2740 • matching chatelaine with dendritic agate cartouches, key and locket • case maker's initials engraved JG

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it would benefit from a service. Small hairline to the dial. Plain inner case with light scuffs. Outer case in good condition with diamond opening pusher.
"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."

David Huber was an eminent London watchmaker of the 18th century. He was a freeman of the Clockmakers Company in 1714 and was subsequently made master in 1743.

This fine and rare chatelaine is a particularly early example. Made of dendritic agate, the iron and manganese inclusions in the stone give it an organic look. This piece would have been a big challenge because dendritic agate can be tricky to cut because the dendrite inclusions occur at various depths in the rough stone. The famous Russian jeweller Carl Faberge, who was a supplier to the Russian Imperial Court from 1885 to 1916, used dendritic agates together with diamonds and other precious stones for many of his pieces. Dendritic agate is prized in Russia as a stone of long life, good health and prosperity.

G.H. Baillie, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 1,1947, p.161