THE SHEPHERDESS

• oval case, the central lid finely painted with a colorful enamel pastoral scene, the scene framed by a tree and foreground encrusted with graduated split pearls, against wavy translucent blue enamel over engine-turning, the hinged side panels decorated en-suite, the bezels all set with split pearls, the circumference of the box decorated with translucent blue enamel spaced with enamel florettes, the base further decorated with translucent blue enamel over a wavy engine-turned ground • the right compartment concealing a chased three-color gold seven-motion automaton representing a shepherdess by a mill stream; the automaton comprising the shepherdess lifting a tuft, a lamb and a sheep with moving heads, and a barking dog that drinks from the fountain, the water simulated by two revolving twisted glass rods issuing from the turning wheel above, the automata are activated by raising the lid • the left compartment composed of three dials, a pair in white enamel for hours and minutes, the other for seconds, a third for regulation, enameled in translucent red over wavy engine-turned ground • accompanied by a gold and enamel watch key engraved with a flower against blue translucent enamel • lobe-form gilt plate automaton movement with five wheel train • the case interior stamped with French Departmental Control mark 1809-1819 (for Geneva) 

 

Berry Ltd., London

The Maurice Sandoz Collection until 1957

An American Collection until present

New York, A la Vieille Russie, Antique Automatons, 1950, no.137
Frontispiece, lent by Dr. Maurice Y. Sandoz

Antique Automatons exhibition catalogue, no.137 and the Frontispiece, A la Vieille Russie, New York, 1950

Alfred Chapuis, Edmund Droz, Automata, p.129, color pl. VII, p.180, fig.203, 1958

Bernard Pin, Watches & Automata, The Maurice Sandoz Collection, vol. III, p.180, 2011

Lovely and rare piece in generally good condition with the exception of condition issues noted below: Movement – automaton not working at time of cataloguing and will require a full overhaul, timepiece fully wound and will also require overhaul Enamel – Cover panel in very good condition and relatively unmarked, one or two pearls possibly replaced Base panel restored and restoration to the blue enamel on side panels, one of the blue panels with damage to old restoration, the cases gold edges further with slight separations between sides and base, interior with traces of solder Automaton - scene good with minor damage around winding hole, time dials and surround good, glass rods are unusual and not the typical twisted rods one is accustomed to find, and revolve correctly. One screw on automaton scene plate lacking.
"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 main panel of the present lot is probably by Jean-Louis Richter (1766-1841). Richter specialised in landscape subjects ranging from specific topographical views to more romantic imaginary views of Alpine peaks or Bosphorus shipping. It is said that he invented the technique of painting against an opalescent ground, the engine-turning below giving his skies a sunset glow. For another enamel probably by Richter see lot 108.

For a discussion of the case decoration and automaton of the present lot see: Alfred Chapuis and Edmond Droz, Automata, p.128, pl.VII, and p.180 fig. 203, 1958

For a similarly pearl set piece see, Patek Philippe Museum, The Mirror of Seduction, Prestigious Pairs of "Chinese" Watches, pp. 88-89, the exhibition catalogue 2010