damascened nickel lever movement, 29 jewels, mono-metallic balance, adjusted to 5 positions • silvered opaline dial, applied white gold Roman numerals, feuille hands, central 24 hour hand for GMT indication, three subisidary dials for day, date and month indication, aperture for moon-phases • polished platinum case, stepped bezel, down-turned lugs, pressure-shut solid case back •  case, dial and movement signed, case back stamped "No. 1" • with an 18k white gold Blancpain buckle      

Automatic movement running while cataloguing, perpetual calendar functions all appear to be advancing. Case, bezel, lugs and buckle with some scuffs, but can be polished. Overall appears with signs of normal wear, but it is common. Outside of case back numbered 1. **The leather strap of this watch is made from endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**
"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."

Accompanied by a Blancpain dated guarantee, Instruction Manual, setting pin.  Further accompanied by a presentation case with outer card box.

In 1735, Jehan Jacques Blancpain started producing watches in the Swiss Jura.  Initially, Blancpain's production consisted of watch parts, but later included pocket watches. By 1815, Blancpain was distributing watches throughout Europe. The manufacturer gained world renown in 1953 with the release of the diver's watch "Fifty Fathoms", worn by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his team and also selected for its technical superiority by several armies including the Americans, French, Germans and Italians. transformed into a full-fledged firm, distributing watches throughout Europe.  Projects such as the finishing of John Harwood's first production model automatic watch in 1926 and the 1931 "Rolls" lady's automatic rectangular watch made in conjunction with famed jeweller Léon Hatot cemented the manufacturer's role in the burgeoning mechanical wristwatch market.  Blancpain gained world renown in 1953, with the release of the diver's watch "Fifty Fathoms," worn by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his team also selected for its technical superiority by several armies including the Americans, French, Germans and Italians.

Although successive generations of the Blancpain family were able to ttransform what had been a cottage industry into a repected watch manufacture, the influx of inexpensive quartz watches from Japan and China during the early 1970's nearly led the company to extinction. Due to the timely intervention of Jean-Cleaude Biver, formerly at Omega, the company was re-launched in 1983 and put back on the path recovery. Since the company's rebirth, the strategy had one core objective: the exclusive production of mechanical watches.

Blancpain movements are designed and crafted completely in-house and based on high-quality ebauches that are provided by their sister company, Frederic Piguet.