Lot 23
  • 23

Van Cleef & Arpels

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A UNIQUE AND LARGE PLATINUM AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL TOURBILLON WRISTWATCHCIRCA 2007 PIECE UNIQUE PAYSAGE DE NACRE
  • Platinum case, with enamel, gold, and mother of pearl dial and ALLIGATOR STRAP
  • diameter 42 mm
• manual winding nickel lever movement, 22 jewels, monometallic balance rotating within a one-minute tourbillon carriage visible at 12 o'clock • dial depicting a seaside landscape inhabited by a temple and a tree, composed of mother-of-pearl heightened by gold and carved hardstones • large platinum circular case, sapphire crystal display back secured by five screws, the backplate of the movement applied with mother-of-pearl and the reverse of the tourbillon cage set with diamonds to the circumference • case and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Van Cleef & Arpels folding clasp

Condition

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The case of the watch shows relatively significant wear, with dings to the bezel at 8-9 o'clock, 11:00, and light surface scuffs to the bezel and profile throughout. The dial is exquisite and shows no visible damage despite the wear. The retail price was recorded at $225,000. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; see Important Notices for further information. Please note this lot contains mother-of-pearl and will require 1-2 weeks additional clearance time for export from the United States.”
"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

In 2007, Van Cleef & Arpels made a limited series of 'Paysage de Nacre' wristwatches such as the present lot, each featuring a similar landscape scene of Eastern inspiration in varied tones. The raised and carved elements of the dial lend depth and a third dimension to the dial. The mother-of-pearl is chosen from selections in Tahiti and Australia to find the perfect tone for the watch.

The historic inspiration for these beautiful pieces was a 1925 minaudière recorded in the Van Cleef & Arpels archives. This piece, also featuring a 'Paysage de Nacre', or a landscape in mother-of-pearl, was made by Vladimir Makowsky, an artist whose works made frequent reference to the East after a lifetime of travels to the region.