Lot 171
- 171
LOUIS AUDEMARS & CIE | A RARE AND POSSIBLY UNIQUE YELLOW GOLD HUNTING CASED MINUTE REPEATING WATCH WITH INDEPENDENT SECONDS MADE FOR THE RUSSIAN MARKET CIRCA 1910
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description
- A RARE AND POSSIBLY UNIQUE YELLOW GOLD HUNTING CASED MINUTE REPEATING WATCH WITH INDEPENDENT SECONDS MADE FOR THE RUSSIAN MARKET CIRCA 1910
Dial: white enamel with personalized indexes for Michel Isakoff in Cyrillic, with hairlinesCaliber: 18.4 "' ligne movement, 45 jewels, two hammer repeating on two gongsCase: 18k yellow gold finely engraved hinged contract case, monogram and coat of armsCase number: 11093Dimensions: 53 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: An original attestation letter from the previous owner, Mr Paul Souvray, dated October 28, 1913
Condition
CASE Engraving to both sides of the case are extremely attractive. Some light wear and scuffs. DIAL Dial with two hairlines which originate from the center arbor and extend toward 3 and 8 across the dial. two faint curved hairlines from the center arbor extending toward 10 and 11 visible under strong magnification. Hairlines visible under close observation. Some dust and debris. MOVEMENT Minutes repeating but with some static and inconsistency. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The present lot was given to Mr Paul Souvray in consideration of his exceptional and loyal service in the court of the Tsar of Russia, and it was gifted by the Tsar's son, Michel Isakoff, for whom the watch was customized. An original letter from 1913, written by Mr Souvray accompanies the present lot, a unique and exquisitely chased minute repeating hunting cased watch with independent seconds.
The letter attests to the many exceptional qualities of the timepiece. The award winning chronometer movement was especially ordered from Louis Audemars & Cie. Founded in 1811, Louis Audemars & Cie made high quality watch movements and precision complications ranging from repeaters to chronograph mechanisms. Their movements were arguably the finest available at the time and they were often sold unbranded to users all over Europe. It is interesting to note that that the cuvette of the present lot is signed and celebrates the firm. The most striking feature of this timepiece is the chased case, the artistry of which took three years to complete by expert engravers from Russia. The fine texture to the case is derived from minuscule carving very much like scrolling foliate scrolls. One can imagine the immense effort involved in chasing an entire case with this delicate and whimsical pattern, only truly visible under close observation.
The letter attests to the many exceptional qualities of the timepiece. The award winning chronometer movement was especially ordered from Louis Audemars & Cie. Founded in 1811, Louis Audemars & Cie made high quality watch movements and precision complications ranging from repeaters to chronograph mechanisms. Their movements were arguably the finest available at the time and they were often sold unbranded to users all over Europe. It is interesting to note that that the cuvette of the present lot is signed and celebrates the firm. The most striking feature of this timepiece is the chased case, the artistry of which took three years to complete by expert engravers from Russia. The fine texture to the case is derived from minuscule carving very much like scrolling foliate scrolls. One can imagine the immense effort involved in chasing an entire case with this delicate and whimsical pattern, only truly visible under close observation.