FRANÇOIS-LOUIS GODON, PARIS | A HIGHLY UNUSUAL GOLD COACH WATCH WATCH WITH FULL CALENDAR, AGE AND PHASE OF THE MOON CIRCA 1790

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, flat three-arm balance, decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, silver regulation plate, gilt-metal dust cap, movement and dust cap signed F. L. Godon, Ro. de Camara de S.M.C. (watchmaker to the catholic King of Spain), further signed Godon around perimeter of movement amongst chased and engraved geometric decoration • Dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals, inner minute ring with Arabic 5-minute divisions, three subsidiary dials for date, day and month, aperture for moon age and phase with blue enamelled disc, blued steel hands with heart-form terminals, signed F. L. Godon, Ro. de Camara de S.M.C.• Case: polished pink gold, scooped bezels, hidden hinge

Antiquorum Hong Kong, 26 May 1991, lot 131

Movement: running at time of cataloguing. A few light scratches to the backplate, some scratching around the securing pins for the movement pillars. Dial: with very small and faint hairlines just to the right of 6 o'clock. Otherwise dial in good condition with a few light scratches. Case: With light polishing and small marks and scratches. Case maker's mark to inside case back slightly rubbed towards lower half but possibly AK beneath a crescent moon.
"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."

Tardy notes in his Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français (1971, vol.1, p.263) that François-Louis Godon was a Master in 1787 and between 1789-90 was based at Rue de Valois-St-Honoré. Godon was watchmaker to the King of Spain.