After the model by Pierre-Philippe Thomire

gilt-bronze, patinated bronze and verde antico marble, bell striking movement with outside count wheel and silk suspension

Acquired for the Avenue Foch house, Paris.

A theatrical piece. The dial has some old scratches, minor surface rusting to hands, gilding rubbed around the edges. Movement is complete but much in need of a clean. Case is rather dirty, left horse repaired, right horse detached, old repairs to marble, other old scuffs and marks throughout. With replaced pendulum 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."

There is a very similar clock case surmounted by Apollo and a chariot, on a red marble base by Thomire, in the collection of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. This was purchased by the Prince of Wales in 1810 for the lavish theatrical backdrop that was his London residence Carlton House. This extraordinary clock is Illustrated, Cedric Jagger, Royal Clocks, London, 1983, pl. 196, pp. 144-145. There is also another extradordinary virtually identical clock in the Konferenz Zimmer, Hofburg, Vienna.

Jagger also records another identical example was sold at the auction of the property of a French bronzier in 1829; the catalogue entry on that occasion remarked that Thomire's price for this model was 1500 francs. Another virtually identical clock, also by Thomire, is illustrated, Tardy, French Clocks The World Over, Paris, 1981, 5th ed., vol. II, p. 274. Thomire produced other large-scale clocks which incorporated chariots such as the chariot of the seasons, illustrated, Jean-Dominique Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, London, 1997, p. 144, nos. 108. Another clock depicting the chariot of Venus has a case made by François Timothée Matelin (illustrated, Augarde, op.cit. p. 144, no. 109). It was thought to have been part of the furnishings of Madame Mère at the hôtel de Brienne, another was at the Tuileries in 1807, and a third at the Elysée Palace in 1809.

It easy to see why this clock would have delighted Gunter Sachs; it is very sculptural, it is of a large and bold scale and the motifs employed, such as the clouds which adorn the arch appear 'surreal'. It also features astrological devices which may have had particular resonance to Gunter Sachs when his interest in this field is considered.