An impressive gilt-bronze cartel clock, Louis XV, circa 1740-1745, the movement and partly enamelled dial signed J B BAILLON/APARIS, the movement numbered 1245

surmounted by a Chinese male figure, the whole decorated with entwined shells, flowers and foliage, the lower section with a crane; (a dragon and a sphere missing)

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. The original gilding is rubbed and tarnished. The Chinese was initially holding a sphere in his right hand. A chimaera is missing on the top and left hand side of the cartel clock. The enamel is in good overall condition with one hairline crack near "I". The pendulum is later and needs to be refixed. Please note that we do not guarantee that the mechanism is in working order. Impressive scale and beautiful chasing. Rare quality.
"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."

This imposing cartel clock is testimony to the virtuosity exhibited by the carvers and gilt-bronze craftsmen of the mid-18th century. The ornamental repertoire is extremely rich and each element is worked and remarkably well carved, faithfully representing the model, be it vegetable, mineral, animal, human or purely decorative. It is a perfect expression of the rocaille style of combining exoticism, entwined shells and foliage mixed with various fruits and flowers. It is difficult to attribute it to a particular bronzier, however the superb quality of this piece points to a renowned bronzer like Jacques Caffieri.

An identical model (with the chimera and the sphere) was sold at Sotheby's in Monaco on February 3, 1983, lot 511.

Jean-Baptiste Baillon III, watchmaker received master in 1727.

Without exception the most important clockmaker of his lineage, Jean-Baptiste Baillon III was a great success. He became Premier Valet de Chambre de la Reine in 1748 and his clientele included amongst others the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne and the Spanish Royal Family. His clock cases were supplied by the greatest craftsmen of his day including amongst others, the Caffieris and JJ de Saint-Germain. Jean-Baptiste Baillon III used to number the movements of his watches and clocks and by the time he retired during the latter part of 1772, his clock movements reached number 3808.