Lot 104
  • 104

ATTRIBUTED TO SYLVAIN MAIRET | A VERY FINE AND SLIM GOLD LEVER WATCH WITH RÉAUMUR THERMOMETER AND REGULATOR DIALCIRCA 1835, NO. 4292/2241/175

Estimate
6,000 - 8,500 GBP
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Description

  • Sylvain Mairet
  • A VERY FINE AND SLIM GOLD LEVER WATCH WITH RÉAUMUR THERMOMETER AND REGULATOR DIALCIRCA 1835, NO. 4292/2241/175
  • diameter 44.5mm
• Movement: unsigned damascened, lateral lever escapement, polished steel escape wheel, bi-metallic compensation balance with blued steel arms, steel and brass bi-metallic thermometer curb with rack and pinion transmission• Dial: white enamel dial, sector for Réaumur thermometer, three subsidiary dials for hours with Roman numerals, minutes and seconds with Arabic numerals• Case: slim gold case, engine-turned back, milled band, polished bezel, numbered 4292, 2241, 175, gold cuvette engraved with movement details and with apertures for female winding and setting squares, numbered 92, 2241, 175

Condition

MVT: unchecked, unable to wind. some discolouration visible under certain light to some of the bridges and the barrel, some light surface scratching. CASE: with signs of wear. Surface scratching to polished surfaces and some of the engine turning. Overall good condition. DIAL: in good condition. NO visible damage. 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."

Catalogue Note

Although unsigned, the present lot is likely by Sylvain Mairet. Born in Switzerland in 1805, he was raised by his uncle, F.I. Favre-Bulle, a watchmaker in his own right.  After working in London from 1831 to 1834 for firms such as Hunt & Roskell and Vulliamy, he returned to his native Switzerland and settled in Le Locle.  In 1867, he received a gold medal to commemorate his influence on watchmaking in the Canton of Neuchâtel. Mairet was known for his flat watches with thermometer as well as his lever escapement invented with pointed pallets.  For a further discussion of his watches and lever escapements see Jean-Claude Sabrier, Frédéric Houriet, The Father of Swiss Chronometry pp.168-172.