• Movement: IWC cal.9720 damascened gilded, lever escapement, 19 jewels, precision regulation, signed International Watch Co., further signed beneath the balance Gübelin• Dial: satin finished 24-hour chapter ring with black Arabic numerals, outer minute ring, border with gold ring calibrated for annual calendar, the gold and blued centre with the stars and their constellations rotating clockwise and heightened with hand painted rendition of the milky way, glazed fixed disc above with gilded parabola displaying the visible sky with indications for North, South, East and West, gold hands, the hour hand with sun terminal and also indicating to the rotating date ring, signed to the glazed inner disc Gübelin • Case: 18ct gold, plain polished back, chamfered bezels, olivette by side of pendant for uncoupling the hand-set to allow independent adjustment of the annual calendar, outside case back signed Gübelin and R. Daners 1984, case numbered 224797

Christie's Geneva, 15 May 2006, lot 105

Movement: running and appears to be in good condition. Dial: in good condition Case: light marks and scuffs, some slight scratching around case opening, otherwise good 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."

Richard Daners produced his "Astral" or "Astrum" watches between 1982 and 1984 and it is believed that a total of just seven examples were made. The dial displays an astonishing 205 stars in 32 constellations.  Daners (1930 - 2018) was an exceptionally talented master watchmaker and writer who was best known for executing important commissions for the Swiss retailer Gübelin. He made very complicated, often unique timepieces, and one of his specialties was that of the tourbillon. In 1997 he received the coveted Prix Gaïa in recognition of his accomplishments in horology.