- 178
Frederic Houriet
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 CHF
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Description
- A FINE AND RARE PINK GOLD OPEN-FACED CHRONOMETER WATCH WITH QUARTER REPEATER MADE FOR FRIEDRICH WILHELM IV KING OF PRUSSIACHRONOMETER NO 35 CIRCA 1820
- PINK GOLD
- diameter 60 mm
• cal. 23''' gilt brass movement, fusee for the going train, spring detent escapement, cut bi-metallic compensation balance, blued steel spherical balance spring • pink gold engraved cuvette • turn and slide pusher for the repeating • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary dial for constant second with Arabic numerals, outer minute track, blued steel moon hands • pink gold guilloché case, fluted bezel • cuvette and inside case back signed
Condition
Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required.
Movement is in working order while cataloguing, but it has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense in the near future. Dial is clean and intact. Case with small scratches due to use and age. Very beautiful and rare watch.
"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."
"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
When the watch was made, Friedrich Wilhelm IV was Prince of Neuchâtel, now part of Switzerland, he ordered the watch at Frederic Houriet, who was one of the most famous watchmaker for that time in the region of Neuchâtel. He offered the watch to his nephew Friedrich Carl Prince of Prussia as a present for his confirmation.
Sabrier, Jean-Claude, Frédéric Houriet, The father of Swiss Chronometry (2006), p.76 to 88.