LÉPINE | AN EXCEPTIONAL GOLD QUARTER REPEATING CALENDAR WATCH WITH EQUATION OF TIME INDICATIONCIRCA 1830

• Movement: gilded, lever escapement, jewelled to the centre, bi-metallic compensation balance, single polished steel hammer repeating on coiled gong, polished cuvette with aperture for female winding square, cuvette signed Lépine• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring with red Arabic 5-minute divisions, two sectors above for equation of time to the left and retrograde date to the right, each with red Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, the equation hand with gold sun terminal, central aperture for month, signed Lépine• Case: gold, engine-turned back with central cartouche set with rock crystal insert reverse engraved with a monogram, milled band, finely engine turned bezels, short repeating slide to the upper right case side, numbered 254 and with maker's mark EM within losenge shaped cartouche

Habsburg Feldman Geneva, 11 November 1987, lot 76

Movement: running order not tested due to not having correct key size at time of cataloguing. Repeating operational, movement appears to be in good clean aesthetic condition. Dial: appears to be in good overall condition, small scratch between 2 and 3 o'clock. Case: in good condition with clear engine-turned decoration
"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 equation of time indication shows the difference between apparent solar time (the time as indicated on a sun dial) and mean time (the average of solar time). Since the earth has an elliptical orbit, the difference between mean and solar time ranges from +14 minutes, 59 seconds to -16 minutes, 15 seconds. Solar time agrees with mean time on or about 15 April, 14 June, 1 September and 24 December. Devising a visual display for the equation of time is especially challenging since earth's elliptical orbit must therefore be calculated and compensated for by the watchmaker.