SWISS | RETAILED BY CHARLES GROTTENDIECK: A YELLOW GOLD HALF HUNTING CASED KEYLESS WATCH WITH DAY AND RETROGRADE DATENO 60084, CIRCA 1880

gilt movement, lever escapement; yellow gold cuvette; white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary dial for constant seconds combined with day, retrograde date; plain 18k yellow gold half hunter case, the reverse with French Imperial Coat of Arms; cuvette inscribed CH. Grottendieck Bruxelles, Fournisseur de S.A.I. Le Prince Victor Napoleon, case numbered 60084

Prince Victor Napoléon (1862-1926);
Prince Louis Napoléon (1914-1997)

MVT: Movement running at the time of cataloguing day and date advancing. DIAL: The dial and hands in very good condition. The enamel with no visible hair lines. CASE:The case with scuffs and scratches throughout. The coat of arms with surface scratches but in good condition, no chipping or loss. Inscription to the cuvette bright and defined. The inside case back with some rubbing to the numbers. The bow with no signs of chain wear. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Charles Grottendeick was a Belgian clockmaker of the highest repute and was appointed Clockmaker to the King and Queen of Belgium in 1890. While primarily concerned with the making of clocks he did however also deal in fine watches - of which the present lot, bearing his name - is an example.