A Louis XV ormolu quarter repeating cartel timepiece, Pierre Le Roy, Paris, circa 1750

4¾-inch enamel dial, finely pierced and engraved hands, the movement with silk suspension and rare 'moles foot' adaptation of the Chevalier de Bethune escapement, pull quarter repeating on two bells, the backplate signed Pre. Le Roy A Paris and mounted with the cadrature, the case finely cast and chased with scrolls and leaf mouldings and incorporating a goddess and winged cherubs amidst billowing clouds, the case aperture formerly with an enamel signature plaque

Dial in generally very good condition with very minor chips to the winding hole, good original hands. Movement complete and running at time of cataloguing but may benefit from a clean and fresh oil. Case in very good condition retaining the original gilding, with minor rubbing to some edges. With pendulum but no winder.
"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."

This fine 'cartel d'alcove' incorporates an escapement and striking mechanism as illustrated by Antointe Thiout in his Traité d'horlogerie first published in Paris in 1741. An almost identical example by Thiout is illustrated Tardy, French Clocks the World Over, part 1, pg.301.  Another very similar example by Julien Leroy and with enamel signature plaque is illustrated P Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la Pendule Française, pg. 100D.