FLOURNOY À PARIS | A RARE GOLD MOUNTED SINGLE CASED PORCELAIN WATCH WITH POLYCHROME ENAMEL PAINTED PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN ATTRIBUTED TO MEISSENCIRCA 1750

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, plain flat balance, decoratively pierced balance bridge engraved with scrolling foliage, silver regulation plate, turned baluster pillars, fusee and chain, signed Flournoy à Paris• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, gilt filigree hands, aperture for winding• Case: porcelain back attributed to Meissen painted with a portrait of an unidentified gentleman wearing a plumed hat and cape, the bezel with later polychrome enamel painted panels of summer flowers, the inside back plain white, chased and engraved mounts

Movement: : contrate wheel is broken - the watch will run for a very short period before contrate wheel drops to an angle. Dial -:appears to be in good overall condition. Case: porcelain panels appear to be in good overall condition
"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."

Meissen employed several very capable miniaturist painters, amongst whom was Johann Jacob Wagner who may be responsible for the portrait on the present watch case. Wagner was the son of a court goldsmith from Eisenach, he was employed at Meissen in 1738 and soon acquired a reputation for painting fine portraits; his work is more usually found on the lids of snuff boxes.