Bovet, London

• 'Chinese Caliber' movement with gilt bridges engraved overall with scrolls, duplex escapement, pierced balance cock decorated en suite, steel three mono-metallic balance, raised key-wind barrel, numbered to the bridge and under the dial • white enamel dial, Roman numerals • case hallmarked 18k with London hallmarks for 1815 to the inside reverse and numbered 437 to the decorated cuvette, the bezels and bow decorated in enamel, the back panel polychrome enameled with a scene of Canton on the Pearl River with foreign factories (hongs) in the background and Dutch Folly Fort in the foreground with traditional Chinese river vessels • movement signed and numbered, case numbered

The reverse panel has a significant chip to the lower left side and additional at the lower edge with an attempted repair, 2 further minor chips to the left edge. the reverse has various surface scratches, mostly to the center. The reserve panel has been recently glued back into place. The front and reverse enamel bezels in overall good condition with some various small areas of loss the the rear bezel, mostly just surface chips. The dial in overall good condition with a repairs chip the to upper edge visible with a loop. Hands appear original, the inner reverse with London hallmarks for 18k and numbered 6. The movement, undere a docorative cuvette numbered 437 is in good overall visual condition with some tarnishing to the steel barrel arbor. The movement is NOT running at the time of cataloging.
"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."

With a winding key.

Established in Fleurier in 1822, the three Bovet brothers, Edouard, Frederic and Alphonse, were previously located in London to benefit from the well established watch making trade and frequent ships to the Orient. According to the companies history the brothers all moved to London in 1814 after Edouard had completed his watchmaking apprentiship. In 1818 the brothers boarded the Orwell ship to Canton, upon their arrival, selling four completed watches for a total 10,000 francs, a huge sum of money at the time.

Specailising in highly decorative pocket watches made for the Orient Bovet, is regarding as one of the finest makers of the era.

A similar, unsigned, Chinese market pocket watch circa 1820/1830 is featured on page 150 of the Patek Philippe Museum booklet 'The Mirror Seduction' 'Prestigious pairs of 'Chinese' Watches' with an almost identical painted reverse featuring the hongs and fort at Canton, the scene accredited to the famous enamel painted Jean-Louis Richter (1766-1841)