Ferdinand Berthoud. A gilt-mounted rosewood and kingwood parquetry month-going longcase astronomical regulator, French, circa 1785

9½-inch enamel dial signed Ferdinand Berthoud A Paris and by the enameller Coteau, annual calendar sector below XII, centre seconds, blued steel minute hand for mean solar time and gilt hands for solar time, calendar setting square by IX, the similarly signed rectangular movement with five wheel train, Graham deadbeat escapement, pull cord winding with counter weight, the separately suspended pendulum with Berthoud's unusual bi-metallic compensation, massive lenticular bob, graduated fine regulation, beat adjustment on the crutch, enamel temperature scale and knife edge suspension, the case with gilt flambeau urn surmount above a concave moulding and glazed trunk door, the plinth with five-pointed star, veneered throughout with panels of kingwood parquetry within borders of rosewood and ebony stringing

This regulator is illustrated and described Derek Roberts Precision Pendulum Clocks, France, Germany, America and Recent Advancements, pg.12, Fig.24-4.

Dial in very good original condition. Movement is complete, clean and looks as though it would run but may benefit from some fresh oil. Case in generally good restored condition. With pendulum, replaced brass-cased weight, counter weight, and case key.
"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."

Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807) was born in Plancemont, Switzerland and, at the age of fourteen, was apprenticed to his brother, Jean-Henri a clockmaker, for three years.  During this time both brothers moved to Paris and it is believed that Ferdinand spent some time working for the famous clockmaker, Julien Le Roy. A brilliant horologist, he specialised in regulators and chronometers. His reputation spread far and wide and he was appointed a member of the Royal Society in 1766. Berthoud used the best cabinet makers and bronziers for his clocks and, amongst others, is known to have worked with both Balthazar Lieutaud and Philippe Caffieri.

This very fine astronomical regulator is particularly rare in that incorporates Berthoud's compensation pendulum which is described in his Essai sur l'Horologerie 1763, Vol. 2 pl. XXXIV, pgs. 302 and 303. It is also shown in Derek Roberts Precision Pendulum Clocks, The Quest for Accurate Timekeeping, pg. 82, Fig. 5-18