Van Cleef & Arpels

• cal. 849 manual winding nickel lever movement • aventurine glass rotating disc indicating the position of the constellations with frosted blue quartz casing, gold baton indexes and hands • 18k pink gold case, hinged cover to reveal sapphire crystal display back, sapphire crystal display back to reveal date and month on a rotating wheel • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold Van Cleef & Arpels folding clasp 

Manual winding movement in working order when cataloguing. Dial is in excellent condition. Case with minor surface hairline to the bezel. Buckle with light sign of wear. Overall in excellent condition. A stunning piece to have! Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"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."

With a Van Cleef & Arpels instruction manual and presentation box.

Founded in 1896, Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the few French brands which has established itself firmly in the realm of luxury watches otherwise dominated by Swiss watchmakers.  Its lavish designs, often inspired by elements from nature such as flowers and birds, have captured the hearts of many.  Their creations have adorned many esthetes’ outfits; among them was the film star and Monaco Princess Grace Kelly’s.

Titled Midnight in Paris, the dial consists of aventurine glass disc which displays the allure of the poetic Parisian night sky underneath a frosted blue quartz casing. The aventurine glass disc revolves subtly to show a new map of the stars everyday throughout the year within the pink gold cirque. In addition, Van Cleef & Arpels has cleverly used sapphire crystal on the back to reveal what is more intriguing of the watch – the calendar disc is in fact made of meteorite, continuing the astrological theme right at the core of the watch; at the same time the transparent back enables one to admire the intricately put together calibre.

Midnight in Paris is a thoughtfully designed watch that combines both the classic Parisian romanticism with her starry night sky and the might of the endless universe in one single timepiece.