• 21’’’ gilt full plate cylinder movement, pierced and engraved balance bridge, striking hammers repeating on gong • engraved gilt dial, enamel minute ring and Breguet numerals in enamel reserves, dial bordered by engraved floral trophies, the upper half of the dial with a blued steel background, gilt figure of Father Time, two putti appearing to hammer the chimes • 18k gold case, the case back with engine turning, the case band with coin edge, repeater activated by depressing the bow, gilt mital cuvette • case maker’s mark FLP, case and movement signed Berthoud

Movement running at time of cataloging, however not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Chiming in phase, automatons function correctly. Case in fair condition with wear to the edges, some dents overall to the case band and back. Dial with scratches and patina. 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."

The present lot bears the signature Berthoud, however almost identical pieces are seen either with no signature or bearing other names, as they were all developed within the Geneva Fabrique. The Fabrique combined all the strengths of the artisans in Geneva to create pieces destined to be exported, with different components being made by different houses to create more standardized, but still high quality, pieces.

A similar example of the present automaton is illustrated in Watches & Automata, The Maurice Sandoz Collection, plate I.15, page 100.