Victorin Piguet & Co, Sentier

• 手動上弦寶石直叉式擒縱機構19‘’‘，雙金屬補償擺輪，Victorin Piguet 製造 • 18k黃金內蓋雕刻 Souvenir des Grands-Plats • 白色琺瑯錶盤，羅馬數字，外環分鐘刻度，小錶盤顯示秒速及30分鐘計時 • 18k黃金亮面錶殼，錶側設計時按鈕及報時滑桿，錶蓋繪紅色及藍色琺瑯字母花紋AM • 錶盤印有品牌標誌，錶殼印有編號，另印有Gruen Watch Co. Swiss，可能為美國市場製造

* 拍品資料以英文圖錄為準。

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement and chronograph are working at the time of cataloguing. The minute repeating mechanism is striking the correct time, The dial is in good condition. Case with light scuffs. Overall in very good 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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Victorin Piguet was born in the Swiss canton of Vaud on October 3rd, 1850, to parents Daniel Henry Piguet and Louise Françoise LeCoultre. Victorin Piguet opened a school of watchmaking in Geneva and, in 1880, founded his own firm: Victorin Piguet & Co. He moved the business back to his native Vallée de Joux and the village of Le Sentier in 1883.

Victorin Piguet is considered one of the world’s most important watch makers. He produced a limited series of ébauches and developed highly sophisticated movements, some of which included intricate astronomical complications such as sidereal time. Patek Philippe commissioned Victorin Piguet to help develop some of their most complex movements, many of which are amongst the firm’s most desirable pieces, such as the Graves Supercomplication (lot 345 in this sale), the Packard Grande Complication and Patek Philippe’s first split seconds chronograph (sold Sotheby’s New York, 10 June 2014, lot 175 for 2,965,000 USD). 

Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Patek Philippe relied on Victorin Piguet & Co. to provide ébauches for their split-seconds and single button chronograph ébauches, including the famous reference 130 series. They were also called upon by Vacheron & Constantin for small-production complications including, it is believed, the historic 1936 Aviator’s Degree watch, manufactured in only 3 examples.  

This exceptional watch is especially unusual as it is very rare to find Victorin Piguet’s signature on the dial of a watch.