Spaulding & Co.

• 17''' manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance • silvered sunburst dial, Arabic numerals, outer minute track, blued steel Breguet hands • 18k yellow gold open faced case, scrolls and floral decorations to the bezel, case back with scene cast in relief • case, dial and movement signed by maker, case back signed by I Roukhomovsky

Movement running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case in excellent condition with extremely light scratching. Relief in excellent condition. Dial in very good original condition with light scratches. Oxidation to the top of the dial at 12. Movement in good condition.
"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."

The phrase in relief to the back, ‘Nec Magnos Metuent Armenta Leones,’ translates roughly to ‘having no fear of the lions,’ and is taken from Virgil’s Eclogues, also known as his Bucolics. The Eclogues were published around 38 BC and were a collection of ten poems based on ‘pastoral poems’ of Theocritus. 

It is believed that the master goldsmith, Israel Roukhomovsky, was commissioned to make a small number of gold watch cases depicting the scene on the present lot. These cases were made for exceptional jewelers in Europe, and the present lot remains in original and well preserved condition. This is the 3rd example of the Roukhomovsky case that has appeared to public auction.