A RARE AND UNUSUAL GOLD, LAPIS LAZULI AND IVORY SINGLE CASED VERGE WATCH WITH ADAM AND EVE AUTOMATON, CIRCA 1700 | A RARE AND UNUSUAL GOLD, LAPIS LAZULI AND IVORY SINGLE CASED VERGE WATCH WITH ADAM AND EVE AUTOMATON, CIRCA 1700

Gilded full plate, verge escapement, baluster pillars, the backplate mounted with a chased and engraved gold panel depicting the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, the figures of Adam and Eve applied in carved ivory, the serpent in blued steel travelling around the circumference of the scene, gilt metal movement cap with engraved scenes to the band and framed aperture to reveal the automata scene, gold champlevé dial, Roman numerals with half hour divisions, outer Arabic minute ring, aperture for winding and regulation disc, banner to the centre signed London, gold case, large glazed aperture to the back revealing the automata, the bezels with scenes depicting animals  separated by lapis lazuli panels, gilt metal and shagreen outer protective case

Movement not running, balance rotates when power is applied to the train. Damage to the ivory figures. Scratches to the dial and areas of loss to the black insert of the numerals. Case with wear to the decoration but still retains good definition. Outer case in good condition. Le mouvement ne fonctionne pas, le balancier tourne lorsque l'engrenage est remonté. Des dommages dans les figures en ivoire. Le cadran a des griffes et des manques au noir des indexes. Le boitier avec la décoration usée mais toujours avec une bonne definition. Le boitier externe en bon état.
"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 case back of this watch has a most unusual automata which is connected directly to the watch movement. As the watch runs, so the serpent moves around the border of the foliage to the edge. Adam and Eve are shown standing before the tree of life whilst eve picks the forbidden fruit.