UHRENFABRIK-UNION, GLASHÜTTE IN SACHSEN | A LADY’S GOLD, ENAMEL AND DIAMOND-SET HUNTING CASED KEYLESS LEVER WATCH WITH A GOLD AND PEARL-SET CHAINCIRCA 1900, NO. 54265

• Movement: gilded ¾ plate, gold lever and escape wheel, bi-metallic compensation balance, ruby endstone, signed and numbered Uhrenfabrik-Union, Glashütter, no.54265• Dial: white enamel, black Arabic numerals, outer minute ring with red Arabic 5-minute divisions, sunken centre and subsidiary seconds, gold Louis XV style hands, signed Uhrenfabrik-Union, Glashütte in Sachsen• Case: 14ct gold, the case front with applied diamond-set monogram, border of engraved decoration, the back chased and engraved with a diamond-set thistle, outer blue enamel border heightened with gold scrolling decoration, lever for hand-set beneath bezel at 4 o'clock, plain polished gold cuvette, case maker's mark A M with a key between, cuvette signed Uhrenfabrik-Union, Glashütte Bei Dresden, case back and cuvette numbered 54265, case front numbered 65• Chain: pink gold, the circular links separated by engine-turned cylinder-form links with green gold upper and lower caps, chain interspersed by 5 pearls, similarly decorated gold and pearl-set T-bar

Movement: running at time of cataloguing and surfaces appear clean but would probably benefit from a service. Winding and hand-setting operational and appears smooth. Dial: with a few faint scratches otherwise in good condition. Case: it seems likely that the engine turned decoration to the border of the front lid would originally have been covered with translucent enamel which has since been removed, some deep scratches to this area and some small splits close to the catch. Case back with light scuffs and some scratches to the enamel border. Case band with scuffs and light indentations, the hingess with dents and scratching and split to centre of hinge for case front. Chain: in good overall condition. The clip with French hallmarks for 18ct gold.
"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."

Johannes Dürrstein founded Uhrenfabrik-Union in 1893, and the company quickly excelled at making precision watches. Dürrstein's goal was to create affordable, high quality pieces that would be more accessible to a wider pool of clientele. He had previously worked as a wholesaler in business with A. Lange & Söhne. Julius Bergter, who served as Director at the company, studied as a watchmaker under Moritz Grossman.