• gilt fusee movement with verge escapement, two-trains, pierced and engraved balance bridge with scrolls • the three-motion automaton consisting of vari-color gold figures including a dairy maid churning butter, a nodding cow and a windmill on a bluff with rotating sails, standing on a vari-color gold ground with two sheep resting below, applied to a poly-chrome painted enamel architectural lake scene, small white enamel dial at 12 o’clock with Arabic numerals  • gold case • movement signed, case and movement numbered, maker’s mark with a star between CL 3

Movement running at time of cataloging, however not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Automaton functions. Case polished and thinning, dents overall and some modifications. Dial in fair condition with scratches. Enamel scene in very good condition, figures with oxidation. Movement with scratches.
"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."

Known for his automata and musical objects, Louis Duchene (1730-1804) hailed from Geneva and partnered with his son in 1791 to create Louis Duchene & Fils. Over the next several decades the company created exceptional automata, repeating and musical watches for the European and Chinese market. The present lot is a finely crafted example of such a piece, featuring a rare scene with a butter churning maid and a wide expanse of landscape including an automaton windmill.