Swiss

• manual winding jewelled nickel silver lever movement, cut bi-metallic compensation balance, wolf's teeth winding mechanism, pink gold wheels • hinged gold cuvette • black dial, gilt Turkish numerals • 18k yellow gold case fully set with rose-cut diamonds, small crown design to the centre of the front cover and to the winder • cuvette numbered

Manual winding movement is in working order while cataloguing, but it has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense in the near future. Dial is clean and intact. One diamond missing to the winder and one to the bow. Overall in very good condition consider its age. Very beautiful and rare watch. 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.
"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."

The total diamond weights is approximately 11.58 carats.

The passion that the Ottoman sultans felt for timepieces was aroused in the 16th century when Western emissaries to the Ottoman court started to present timepieces to curry favor. Religion also played an important role in stimulating interest in watches: under the tenets of Islam, believers must pray five times a day at specific times. By the early 18th century, the Ottoman Empire's upper class had developed a taste for European watches. Watchmakers from Geneva, London, Paris and Blois developed trade relations with the dignitaries of the Ottoman Empire. The watchmakers decorated the watches according to local tastes and the Turkish watches are easily recognizable by the rich enameling, arabesque pattern or Turkish numeral indexes on the dial. Bearing testimony to the longstanding culture and history, the extraordinary style of the watches has become unique treasures for watch connoisseurs.  

The present lot is of particular note for its unusual and striking black dial and elaborate diamond-setting.