• manual winding nickel lever movement, mono-metallic balance, one-minute tourbillon regulator • two-tone silvered dial, applied square indexes and Roman numerals, 4 subsidiary dials indicating date, day in French, month in French combined with leap year indication and 30-minute register, outer 1/5 minute division • 18k yellow gold circular case, two chronograph buttons in the band, split second button in the crown, screw-set lugs, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed

Movement and all functions are in working order, winding crown is slightly stiff, service is recommended for accurate time keeping. Dial is clean and intact. Faint hairline surface scratches and scuffs to the bezel, lugs and case back, only visible under a loupe. Hallmarks are strong, no signs of any polishing. Buckle with light signs of use. A collector's piece with attractive estimates. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an 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 Franck Muller presentation box with an outer card box.

The House of Franck Muller has focused on quality, exclusivity and establishing a unique brand identity. Having won the namesake of the most prestigious watch making brand from the Luxury Institute of New York, Franck Muller has been credited for leading the new golden era for high watchmaking. The distinctive style of Franck Muller reconnects to the post 1970s quartz generation whilst redefining the significance of the wristwatch in contemporary culture.

The World Premiere series of Franck Muller exemplifies the values of innovation and his continued pursuit of excellence. Prior to establishing the brand, Muller challenged himself to create a technologically innovative and horologically legitimate timepiece. As an independent watchmaker, Muller was not content with a simple tourbillon; instead he decided to incorporate a jump hour indication but one that employed hands instead of an analogue indication. Having completed this fascinating watch in 1984, Muller continued to dazzle watch enthusiasts with each of his world premieres.

The present lot is the 1992 World Premiere tourbillon with spilt-seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar. The watch presents a technological challenge, as all the perpetual calendar functions have to instantly jump forward while the spilt seconds chronograph function is activated. Thus, the balance wheel must continue to oscillate without a significant drop in amplitude.

Impressively, at that time Franck Muller was working by himself and he made every part of this complicated wristwatch, the present lot, by hand. This possibly unique 1992 World Premiere wristwatch took nearly 14 months to develop. This exquisite timepiece belongs in a league of its own, manifesti𒉰ng the past a🌸nd inspiring the future.