AUDEMARS PIGUET | RETAILED BY CARTIER:YELLOW GOLD TRIPLE CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES MADE FOR KING HASSAN II OF MOROCCOCIRCA 1964

Dial: silvered Calibre: manual winding, 18 jewels Movement number: 56'660 Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on back Case number: 669 Closure: 18k yellow gold folding clasp Dimensions: 25 x 25 mm Signed: case and movement, dial signed Cartier Accessories: Cartier certificate of origin

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. The calendar setting and advancing correctly. CASE: in good overall condition. Some light scratches and signs of very light polishing. Edges corners and lugs still sharp. The case back with engraving, still crisp and visible so too are all hallmarks.. DIAL: Overall good condition, some discolouration to the top left hand corner and aroudn the outer most edge, light spots throughout. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

While not immediately obvious, this watch, retailed by Cartier, was manufactured by Audemars Piguet. It represents the height of understated complexity, a watch perfectly suited to adorn the wrist of a Royal. Its humble 25 mm case conceals the tripe calendar movement and the case back, engraved with a monogram, reveals that this watch was formerly in the possession of King Hassan II of Morocco. While the dial displays a significant amount of information, namely the day, date, month, and both phases and age of the moon, its format, which could so easily be busy and superfluous, is instead balanced and legible. King Hassan the II (1929 – 1999), son of Mohammed V (1909-1961), led an extraordinarily political life from a very young age. He was introduced to President Roosevelt at the age of fourteen, appointed Chief of Staff to the Moroccan Armed Forces at the age of twenty seven, and ascended to the throne upon his Father’s death at the age of thirty two. His career was remarkably turbulent leading a country that was in a constant state of change, he survived two assassination attempts, one of which required him, ostensibly, to take control of his Royal Boeing 727 facilitating an emergency landing after it was attached by fighter jets in an attempted coup by his interior minister.