• gilt full plate movement, pierced and engraved balance cock, pre-hair spring verge escapement, spiral column pilasters  • later white enamel dial, roman numerals, single hand • case with enamel interior painted in red camaïeu depicting two hikers in a landscape possibly after an engraving by Gabriel Perelle,  finely decorated band with colourful summer flowers, polychrome enamel scene to the back depicting Venus giving the golden apple to Paris, outer leather case with pique work • movement signed Jean Thomeguex

Park Lane Art Treasures Exhibition, 1928

The movement is not running, the catgut cord to connect the barrel to the fusee is broken. Later dial with small hair cracks. Small chips and scuffs to the glass. Painted enamel in remarkably good condition. Later bow. To further enhance its exclusivity and desirability, the present watch is preserved in lovely condition. Experienced collectors, familiar with the international auction market, are well aware how rare the unexpected arrival of such a fine watch on public stage has become. This example qualifies as one of the most desirable timepieces from the XVIIth century golden era of enamel production. This important watch will become a celebrated trophy for a distinguished collection.
"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."

Enamelling is an age-old technique - references to jewel enamelling date back to the early 15th century. Genevan goldsmiths for the Court of Savoy and for the Genevan nobility, some of whom we know by name, testify to an already thriving and much appreciated art.
The art of enamelling was transformed in the 17th century by a new process, that of miniature painting on enamel. This technique was started by French goldsmith Jean Toutin (1578-1644).

This exceptional watch, painted with a scene of the mythological Judgement of Paris, expresses how the magnificent glowing colours of this style of enamel painting appear in Europe and particularly in France from around 1620. The enamel miniaturists knew from the beginning how to draw upon this vast repertoire of art and contemporary painting for their own purposes. Both their subject matter and ability to master the complex alchemy processes essential for making enamel paints, explain the extraordinary attraction for the items that enamel artists decorated.

For further informations see: Hans Boeckh, fired with passion, Patek Philippe Magazine, No 12, Vol 1, p. 42-50.
Catherine Cardinal, Splendeurs de l'émail, Institut l'homme et le temps, p. 36-40.
Estelle Fallet et al., l'horlogerie à Genève magie des métiers, trésors d'or et émail, 2011,  p.41.