American Watch Company, Waltham

• gilt three quarter plate lever movement, 20 jewels carried in screwed chatons, Charles W. Fogg's patent vibrating hairspring stud, free sprung, Stratton's patent barrel • gold cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, blued steel hands • engine-turned case, the cover with champlevé enamel medallion depicting a lifesaving scene, the rear cover with champlevé medallion in red and black of the seal of the United States of America, milled band, inside cover engraved 'The President of the United States to Capt. John Williams of the BR. ship Exodus for the rescue of the crew of the AM: ship John Rhynas 1863' • dial and movement signed • with an associated 18k gold chain with T-bar and key

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may benefit from a service soon. Dial in good condition. The case with significant wear to the engine-turning. Both champlevé medallions with small areas of enamel missing but overall in good 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."

As was the tradition in the 19th century, a watch was given from the President of the United States on behalf of the American people to a foreigner who selflessly saved a U.S. citizen at sea. Known as the 'Official Award to Non-Citizens of the United States of America for Saving Lives at Sea', the watch presentation program was approved by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. Typically the watches depicted, to the case front, a rescue at sea and, to the back, the Seal of the President of the United States of America.
On the 7th October 1863 Captain John Williams of the ship the Exodus came to the assistance of the crew and passengers of the Julie Clare and the barque John Rhymes which had been in a collision.