Girard Perregaux

• manual winding nickel movement, one-minute tourbillon with Guinand type 2 carriage with pivoted detent chronometer escapement, gold wheel train and escape wheel, entire train jeweled • white enamel dial with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, diamond-set gold hands • 18k pink gold case, the front cover with monogram AM, the back cover with engraved arms of the Republic of Uruguay, hinged gold cuvette, glazed cover • signed and numbered on the bottom plate, movement signed

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 very good condition with light scratches consistent with light use. More apparent scuffs to the back cover. Dial in very good condition with no apparent hairlines or cracks but would benefit from a cleaning. Movement overall in very good cosmetic condition. Case front cover with monogram M A. Back cover with coat of arms.
"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 present lot is a very rare and interesting example of a Girard-Perregaux tourbillon from the early 20th century. Cased in a heavy pink gold hunting case, engraved with the arms of the Republic of Uruguay, No. 38166 features a stem-wound dual bridge movement with a plate over the mainspring. The present lot, although stem wound with a plate over the barrels, shares many of the same construction cues of the famous 'Three Gold Bridge' tourbillons made by Girard-Perregaux.

The 'Three Gold Bridge' tourbillon has become Girard-Perregaux's most prestigious innovation and is what the company became best known for. The patent for it was filed in the United States on 24 March 1884 (Patent No. 14919).

"Be it known that I, Girard-Perregaux of Chaux-de-Fonds, Republic of Switzerland have invented and produced a new and original Design of a Watch-Movement, of which the following is a full, clear and exact description....In a watch movement the design for a bridge, consisting a bridge having a central annular portion, spread-out ends and bar-like portions between the said annular portions and ends, as shown...."

The 'Three Gold Bridge' tourbillon was resurrected by the firm in 1982 with the production of examples based on exact specifications from the earlier models. Once successful with the pocket watches, the firm went on to produce the model in wristwatches in 2000. These models have become successful in their own right.

For more information on Girard-Perregaux, see Pritchard, Swiss Timepiece Makers, Vol. 1, pp. G30-G39.