HAHN À ECHTERDINGEN | A FINE AND RARE GOLD SINGLE CASED ASTRONOMICAL CYLINDER WATCH WITH CALENDAR, PERIODS OF THE DAY, DEAD CENTRE SECONDS AND HALF-SECOND BEATING BALANCECIRCA 1800

• Movement: gilded full plate, cylinder escapement, large half-second beating five-arm flat brass balance, large and unusual decoratively pierced and engraved circular balance bridge with central regulation sector, multi-faceted red endstone, the coils of the mainspring going barrel exposed within an aperture to the backplate, cylindrical pillars, signed Hahn Echterdingen • Dial: white enamel, three subsidiary dials for time with Roman numerals and Arabic quarter hour divisions, date combined with months and indication for their length, periods of the day and night combined with days of the week represented by their planetary symbols, signed Hahn à Echter Dingen• Case: pink gold, polished with moulded bezels, gilt-metal bow 

Antiquorum Geneva, 12 November 2006, lot 14

Movement: running at time of cataloguing. Dial: with small nibbles and chips around the edge but the main surface in generally good condition, solder repair to one of the hands. Case: Signs of repair around the hinge, signs of damage and repair at base of pendant, otherwise case with light scuffs.
"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."

The brothers Hahn: Christoph Matthäus (1767-1833), Johann Georg (c.1772-c.1813), Christian Gottfried (1769) and Immanuel (1773-1833) worked for their father Matthäus Hahn (1739-1790). An important figure in the history of German horology, Matthäus Hahn, who was also a clergyman, pioneered the use of the cylinder escapement in Germany and was renowned for his astronomical and calendar clocks. Highly influential, he had many pupils including Jacob Auch. Matthäus' sons Christian and Christoph became "hofmechanikus" - court mechanicians. For a similar watch by the brothers Hahn, see lot 69.