Black Starr & Frost and Pierre Gravoin

• rectangular nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • dial composed of central H-form section of inlaid mother-of-pearl depicting a flowering vine, the sides, top and back of that portion engraved with concentric circles to compose a cloud pattern, the chapter ring engraved upon the rock crystal frame, the Arabic numerals spaced by etched geometric motif, diamond-set hands • the whole surmounted upon molded and pierced glass hippocampi, their eyes composed of emerald cabochons, all atop an agate base • case signed Black Starr & Frost, further stamped PG for Pierre Gravoin

The present lot contains endangered species which is subject to United States Fish & Wildlife Services restrictions upon international export. The time frame for shipment outside the United States is approximately 3-5 weeks. 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 is in very good condition overall. Base with minimal wear to the corners of the onyx. Small triangular element to the base between the hippocampi is loose but remains in place. Patina to the eye area of the hippocampi around the emeralds. Light scratches to the gold elements of the base and into the dial. Extremely light scratches to the dial overall. Chip to the mother-of-pearl at 2 to the front and side. Rock crystal remains in excellent condition. Small cube with 6 index is loose but remains in place. Accompanied by an associated, later Cartier box that is a bit too small for the clock.
"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 extraordinary piece is a collaboration between Black Starr & Frost, Pierre Gravoin, and likely Vladimir Makovsky. The house of Black Starr & Frost was founded in 1810, and is known today as 'America's First Jeweler'. Their flagship boutique on 5th Avenue in New York was a landmark frequented by collectors of the highest eschelons of society, such as the Carnegies and the Vanderbilts.

Pierre Gravoin's work is indicated by his stamp 'PG' within a lozenge, the letters spaced by a musical note. His work includes mystery clocks for Cartier as well as Black Starr & Frost. He is recorded as a jeweler and from the known examples, he was a craftsman of great talent. He is known to have worked on two other desk timepieces of similar designs with inlaid mother-of-pearl dials completed by Vladimir Makovsky. Though the dial in the present example is unsigned, it can be attributed to Makovsky.

For another work attributed to this artist, see the next lot.