DEWITT | ACADEMIA TOURBILLON MYSTERIEUX, REFERRENCE 8400.48/03 A UNIQUE WHITE GOLD AND SAPPHIRE-SET SKELETONISED TOURBILLON WIRSTWATCH, CIRCA 2018

Dial: skeletonisedCalibre: mechanicalCase: 18k white gold, sapphire crystal display back secured by 8 screwsCase number: 1/1Closure: navy DeWitt alligator strap and 18k white gold and sapphire-set double folding claspSize: 45 mm diameterSigned: case

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The case with signs of light polishing. There is a dent visible to the upper right lug. All sapphires are nice and intact. 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."

The present watch is a statement piece of Dewitt. Adorned with diamonds and baguette-cut sapphires every surface of this watch is decorated. Even the movement is finished in deep blue PVD and engraved throughout, topping it off with a skeletonized dial and secured movement behind a sapphire crystal display back. This also reveals the watch's technical intricacies, specifically the tourbillon rotating within its wonderfully delicate carriage. The tourbillon complication serves as a testament to the technical prowess of the watch's creator. The winding mechanism is also peculiar. Wound from the crown at 3, as in virtually every other watch, the power is transferred to the barrel by a single large wheel that circumvents the entire dial, making the winding of the watch a visual pleasure.    

Unique in every way and consigned by the original owner, the watch originally retailed for close to 8 million Hong Kong Dollars.