BUHRÉ | A FINE PINK GOLD AND ENAMEL QUARTER REPEATING HUNTING-CASED TRIPLE CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH KEYLESS WATCH WITH MOON-PHASES, MADE FOR RUSSIAN MARKETCASE 144072 CIRCA 1880

• manual winding movement, quarter repeating striking on gong with two hammers • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, 4 subsidiary dials for constant seconds with moon-phases, day, date and month • 14k pink gold case, the front and back lid with separate motifs, slide for repeating and chronograph pusher to the band • cuvette signed and numbered

The movement and all chronograph functions are in working condition at the time of cataloguing, the calendar functions are working properly. The repeating mechanism is in face and has a nice tone clarity. The enamel decoration to the both lid with light surface wear but it is in well preserve condition and both sides retain vibrant colors towards the outer edges of both lids. The enamel is slightly discovered and some very very minor chips to the edge. The enamel to the case back with an area of repair at 10 o'clock this is however very hard to see. The enamel overall is in very good condition. The enamel dial with a hairline crack from the center to 3 o'clock. There is a second hairline that runs form the center up between 10 and 11 o'clock. The case is in very good condition with only very minor surface wear where it is consistence with the age of the watch. There is minor signs marks to the lips from opening the case. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. *Please note that the watch needs to be taken to boutique for proper adjustment of perpetual calendar to the correct dates
"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."

Accompanied by a matching chain. Paul-Léopold Buhré, was a Swiss watchmaker from Le Locle, Switzerland. He immigrated to Russia and is listed as having opened a workshop in 1815 in St. Petersburg.

Buhré had good relations with the Imperial court and he obtained the title of "Official Supplier to His Majesty". As a result, he founded his own watch factory in Le Locle in 1874, producing watches, popular amongst Russian nobles and officers that he sold through his workshops in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Russian Government also purchased Buhré timepieces as rewards for officers and employees of the public services.

The present watch was most certainly made to special order and is beautifully decorated in polychrome enamel with the Russian Coat of Arms. These important watches were never available for sale and never featured in any of the firm’s product literature and are incredibly rare today.