• 15’’’ gilt cylinder movement, two trains for time, automaton and music • the case  formed as a basket with vari-color gold case entirely chased in wicker pattern, the case band with panels of gold alternating with ruby set columns, the back decorated en-suite centered by an emerald and ruby-set patera the surround composed of  woven panels alternating with graduated ruby-set spokes, slide at 5 o'clock to stop start music and automaton • case with casemakers mark FO,Freres Oltramare, small white enamel dial at 12 o'clock roman numerals, below applied with vari-colored gold automated figures of a lady strumming a harp and a boy playing a lyre, whilst a dog looks on at the lady's feet, all against a polychrome enamel architectural lake scene, the bezel set with rondels of rubies

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 correctly. Case overall in excellent condition. Details to the chasing and engraving are very crisp. No loss of stones. Dial and enamel scene in very good condition with no visible hairlines, small nick above the dog's head. Figures in very good condition with light patina to the edges. Overall in excellent condition.
"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 firm Piguet & Meylan was formed by Isaac-Daniel Piguet and Philippe Samuel Meylan in 1811. Piguet was born at Le Chenet in 1775. He settled in Geneva and became Burgher in 1812, one year after he had gone into partnership with Philippe Samuel Meylan to undertake the 'manufacture of watches, jewellery and mechanisms of all kinds.' Piguet specialized in complex watches with carillons and clock watches. Meylan was born in le Brassus in 1772 and is credited with adapting 'tongues of sonorous metal for the combs of musical movement suitable for watches and other small objects.' Of his many creations, the magician's box and the barking dog watch are two of the most regarded.

The present lot also bears the maker's marks of Freres Oltramere. The case for is of note due to the shape and texture, resembling a wide basket. It is additionally adorned with an array of rubies and emeralds, and no angle of the case goes without attention to detail. The brothers Louis-David-Benjami🍎n Oltramare, born 30 August 1781 and Jean-Hugues Oltramare, born 2 February 1786, were both trained as 'monteurs de boîtes en or' (makers of gold watch cases). Coming from a family of artisans with a horological background, they worked together in an informal association and entered a maker's mark as the Frères Oltramare in 1810/11. When Geneva was liberated from French occupation and they re-registered the same mark on 4 November 1815, their workshop was at rue de Coutance 82. The association was dissolved on 31 Marc🌄h 1826.