• 20’’’ gilt cylinder movement, two-trains, three arm brass balance wheel • the five-motion automaton consisting of three vari-colored Cupids in the foreground, one on a grinder, one on an anvil, and another on an oven with rotative depiction of fire, all within a polychrome painted enamel scene of Cupid's Forge of Love with a pair of lovebirds to the foreground, all on a polychrome painted enamel lakeside landscape, white enamel dial • gold case with translucent blue enamel over engine turning, pearl-set bezels • gilt metal cuvette signed Ilbery London to the interior

Balance oscillates however does not catch on the escapement and will require an overhaul. Case in good condition overall with wear and light scratches. Enamel on back likely restored, and also now with some chipping at edges. Dial in good condition. Enamel scene in very good condition. Figures and ground in very good condition. It is possible that the cuvette could be replaced. A wonderful example overall.
"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."

The present lot bears the signature of Ilbery to the cuvette, however it was likely created by another workshop and subsequently retailed by Ilbery. A similar example of the automaton of the Cupid's Forge theme is illustrated in Watches & Automata, The Maurice Sandoz Collection, plate I.20, page 126.