Asprey The Amorous Surprise

• with manual winding mechanical jewelled movement, the oversized dial made of Royal blue enamel, applied white gold and diamond set Arabic numerals on white enamel circular cartouches, gold and red enamel floral design centrefield, decorative white gold and diamond hands, textured wheat sheaf bezel, the large circular case engine turned throughout the sides with gold twisted rope decoration with swinging epilette style accents, moving to reveal the winding and setting holes and the button for activating the automaton mechanism, the reverse showing an ornate fan form decoration to the top and bottom half, the panels of the fan made of gold with green, red and white enamel profuse floral decoration to each, when the button is depressed on the side of the case, each panel of the fan moves and folds up to reveal four multi-coloured enamel and painted erotic scenes, one scene of a gentleman and lady on horseback, the second scene of a couple lying on the floor in amorous embrace, the third scene of a couple enjoying each other's company near a window with another onlooker, the fourth scene of a gentleman and a lady frolicking in the haystack, each scene with three moving automaton, after a short while the fan panels fold and close again to conceal and stop the performing automaton, the circular gold case mounted on a large tapered engine turned gold pedestal with rope twist and epilette decoration cascading down and resting on a double stepped drum form base, the top part decorated in translucent red enamel above a guilloché background, wheat sheaf borders, the lower part of translucent Royal blue enamel above guilloché background, swathed throughout with rope twist and epilette style swag decoration and accented with round cut diamonds, the whole clock on a concealed turntable. Housed within the base, accompanied by a substantial gold, translucent red enamel and steel fan shaped key • pedestal signed and stamped by the maker, English hallmarked

A terrific clock and amazingly visual. Gold is a little tarnished throughout but this can be polished off. Red enamel to the base with two areas of chipped enamel, apart from that, enamel is intact. Dial is clean, the movement is working. Automaton barrel also working and four scenes, however a service or overhaul would be recommended.
"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."

Total diamond weight is approximately 4.20 carats.
Total weight of the clock is 5.82 kilograms.
Accompanied by an original Asprey travelling case.