David de la Fontaine

• gilt full plate verge movement, signed David de la Fontaine, turned pillars, fusee lacking gut line, scrolling blued steel brackets for the worm and wheel set-up, finely pierced and engraved cock with long foot, plain balance • white enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals, inner polychrome enamel wreath of flowers, the centre of green translucent enamel over chiselling, single hand • case with two polychrome enamel bands of flowers, the front and back with a portrait of a gentleman and a lady, inside case front and back with polychrome enamel flowers against a light blue enamel background

Movement not running, fusee missing gut line and the train is currently seized; some signs of surface corrosion/rust to the steel parts of the movement. Significant losses to the enamel case sides together with some repairs. Some small repairs to the floral wreaths to the outside case. The blue enamel background inside the case with further repairs. Please note the enamel work on this piece is attributed to Huaud, Pierre I.
"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 watch may well have been a marriage token, the portraits front and back perhaps being the young husband and wife. David de la Fontaine is mentioned by both Baillie and Tardy and worked in Geneva. He employed two apprentices Jacques Patru from 1656 and Pierre Piaget from 1663. Another watch by David de la Fontaine can be found in the British Museum, London.