- 119
Swiss
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description
- A Rare Pink Gold and Enamel Open-Faced Quarter Repeating Automaton Watch'The Barking Dog' Circa 1820
- diameter 55 mm, thickness 19 mm
gilt half plate movement, cylinder escapement, plain three armed balance, plunge repeat activating the quarters and the bellows for the 'barking dog', gilt-metal cuvette, eccentric white enamel dial with roman numerals, all within a frame of translucent blue enamel over a fine guilloché background, the lower portion of the dial with a vari-colored gold scene of a dog chasing a fleeing swan, the head raises and lowers on the upward sweep the dog barks the hours and quarters, the reverse with enguine-turned pink gold case with plain cartouche at the bottom, engine-turned band, case Maker's mark F.A. stamped to the back cover
Condition
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it would benefit from a service soon. The repeating mechanism do not strikes (barkes) the correct hours. The blue enamel to the dial has signs of restauration and some noticeable chips (especially around the hours hole). The minute hand is loose. Case back with light scuffs and noticeable dent at 5 o'clock.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This watch can be compared with the ‘barking dog’ series made by the renowned watchmakers Piguet and Meylan. During their partnership they produced some the finest masterpieces, which are still held in high regard by the horological world today. They were celebrated for making beautiful musical movements and the famous magicians' automaton boxes and the barking dog automaton watches."
The 'barking dog' series of watches all have numbers lower than 300 and appear to represent the earliest type of watch produced by them. Approximately twenty-one 'barking dog' watches are known of in existence today.
This is unusual in terms of automata as it does not strike a gong but activates a set of bellows to mimic a dog barking.
The scene of the dog and swan on this watch derives from a painting by Jean-Baptiste Oudry, executed in the 1740's and entitled Swan Attacked by Dog.
For similar examples of 'barking dog' watches see Cecil Clutton and George Daniels, Watches. London, 1979, figs. 245a-d and Musée d’horlogerie du Locle, Château des Monts, Les Chefs-d’œuvre de la Collection, Sandoz, 2009, p. 64.
The 'barking dog' series of watches all have numbers lower than 300 and appear to represent the earliest type of watch produced by them. Approximately twenty-one 'barking dog' watches are known of in existence today.
This is unusual in terms of automata as it does not strike a gong but activates a set of bellows to mimic a dog barking.
The scene of the dog and swan on this watch derives from a painting by Jean-Baptiste Oudry, executed in the 1740's and entitled Swan Attacked by Dog.
For similar examples of 'barking dog' watches see Cecil Clutton and George Daniels, Watches. London, 1979, figs. 245a-d and Musée d’horlogerie du Locle, Château des Monts, Les Chefs-d’œuvre de la Collection, Sandoz, 2009, p. 64.