Ilbery

• gilt duplex movement, five arm balance wheel, plates engraved with floral decorations, standing barrel • white enamel dial • octagonal case with gold frame inset with various coloured agates, the bow and outer bezel decorated with polychrome enamel motifs, the back set with a border of split pearls • signed on the movement

Overall very good condition, movement in working condition while cataloguing, standing barrel missing its protective outer case with floral decoration, enamel dial in very good condition, a few missing parts to the translucent enamel on the bow and around the bezel to the hours of I – II – V – VII. This piece is an exceptionally rare watch made for the oriental market in a well preserved 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."

William Ilbery is most commonly known as a fine maker of watches for the Chinese market, including some very rare examples made with moss agate, such as the present example. For many of his enamel watches, Ilbery used finely engraved movements incorporating duplex escapements and outer cases set with pearls.
For similar watches see Sotheby's London, The Belin Collection, November 29, 1979, lot 98 and Sotheby's New York, Masterpieces from the Time Museum, December 2, 1999, lot 29. A pair of hard-stone hexagonal watches for the Chinese market made by William Ilbery is also in the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva.