Lot 230
  • 230

Unsigned

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A VERY RARE GILT COPPER AND ENAMEL CHINESE MUSICAL COACH WATCH CIRCA 1780
  • paste-set, silver, enamel
  • diameter 12.8 cm thickness 6 cm
• gilt brass skeletonized two-tiered three-train cylinder movement heavily engraved, barillet music wheel to activate carillon music work with seven hammers playing on a nest of three bells, grand sonnerie repeat via two hammers on a bell • white enamel dial, subsidiary dials for the age of the moon, jumping 1/5th seconds, second time zone and seconds • massive gilt copper case entirely chased with foliate scrolls inhabited by birds, the back with a hinged steel cover engraved with herrings within a pond scene detailed with polychrome enamel, bordered by polychrome enamel geometric designs

Condition

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Balance oscillates and movement functions. Chiming not in phase. Music functions. Case overall in good condition with well preserved chasing and reposse. Enamel to the back panel with some loss and repair. Loss to the plating on the edges, notably on the bow and stem. Dial with cracks emanating from the center arbor. 1/5th jumping seconds hand missing.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by a wooden fitted carrying case of Chinese make.

The present lot, with a paste set bezel and slow-beat seconds, is typical of watches for the Chinese market. The watch, however, is an interesting example of such a piece, as the movement and dial are most certainly of Swiss manufacture and for Chinese export, however the watch case, made of copper, bears details in construction and decoration which bring up the possibility that the case was of Asian manufacture. It is under cautious speculation that the movement was therefore finished in Europe and exported for casing by Swiss trained artisans in China. For two similar examples, in the Palace Collection, see Clocks and Watches of the Qing Dynasty From the Collection in the Forbidden City, figs. 75 and 85.