Thread the Needle

• rectangular box, the right compartment fitted with the timepiece with white enamel dial for hours and minutes, Arabic numerals, with matching seconds dial above, against enamel ground in tones of blue and white further engraved with gold floral decoration • the left fitted with a vari-color gold automaton scene showing two builders, one hammers at a façade whilst another below works at his bench, rotating windmill above against a polychrome enamel landscape, the automata activated when lid is lifted • the left and right panels decorated en camaïeu with female allegorical figures of Justice holding a scale and Truth holding a sun • the central cover finely painted with a lakescape inhabited by a group of children and on the opposite bank a mill scene, the band and base decorated ensuite with translucent midnight blue enamel against engine-turned checkerboard design

A lovely object with sympathetic enamel restoration. The central panel exterior lid with restoration to the sky, reglazed top, side and bottom panels, The automaton and timepiece are in working order.
"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."

Preserved in excellent condition with extremely light and sympathetic restoration, the present lot is a mirror image to the automaton snuff box sold by Sotheby's New York, June 8, 2016, lot 91. The box shares the same thin dimensions and is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Geneva Fabrique of the mid to late 18th century. Piguet & Capt were pioneers in the creation of snuff boxes combined with music, automaton and watches, and were active from 1802 to 1811.