Ellicott, London

• gilt full plate movement, pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, striking on a bell • signed and numbered dust cap • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute track, blued steel beetle and poker hands • gold inner case pierced and engraved with scroll decoration and a bird by the winding hole, pulse piece to the band between V and VI, outer case centred by enamel plaque painted en grisaille depicting Nuptiales choreae and signed Moser, the scene surrounded by diamonds, translucent blue enamel over an engine-turned ground to the band and bezel with scroll decoration and white champlevé enamel band, diamond-set push piece, inner case with maker's mark PG with fish above incuse for Peter Goujon • movement and dust cap signed Ellicott, London, 6528

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 240, pl. 147

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it is not striking. Dial in good condition. Inner case with scuffs. The enamel plaque with some scratches.
"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."

Using the known hallmarked watches by Ellicott as a guide, see, David Thompson, Antiquarian Horology, Autumn 1997, this watch can be dated to circa 1770. The scene to the outer case has been researched by Richard Edgcumbe  and relates to a 1693 engraving entitled ‘Nuptiales choreae’ (Borghese Dancers) by P.S. Bartoli, adapted by Moser into a delightful scene of maidens celebrating a wedding. It is possible that the watch was originally intended as a wedding gift.

Edgcumbe points out that the vigour with which the figures move in Moser’s composition results from his having spent the previous forty years chasing and painting in a baroque and rococo style, rather than following the more restrained rules of neo-classicism. The double signature, one in the normal place at the base below the ‘step’, the other just to the left on the edge of it, suggests the supposition that Moser was using his own (maybe signed) drawing as a source for his own enamel – a little affectation but quite understandable.