GRÉPPIN À PARIS | AN EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE GOLD OPEN-FACED WATCH WITH EQUATION OF TIMECIRCA 1790, NO. 1 -785

• Movement: gilded full plate, pin lever escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed Gréppin à Paris, No. 1re 785• Dial: white enamel, the centre with Roman numerals divided into 24 for equation hours, the upper half with pink Roman numerals, the lower in black, steel ring with equation minutes, outer white enamel chapter ring calibrated for longitudinal hours and minutes, gold hands for equation hours and minutes, steel hands for longitudinal hours and minutes • Case: pink gold, the back with sprung shutter for winding aperture, numbered beneath shutter spring 387 7 and with indistinct maker's mark

Dial:There is one very faint hairline or scratch radiating form the centre of the dial towards the signature. Case: the case is in good order with no dents, wit one heaver scratch on the case back towards the centre. Movement:The movement is not running at the time of cataloguing, although the balance is free.
"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."

A Francois Henri Grepin is listed working in Paris in the late 18^th century as a Master between 1776-1789 in G.H. Baillie, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, Third Edition, 1951 Of particular note on this astronomical watch is the inclusion of equation of time.