Swiss

• pink gilt duplex movement finely chased and engraved with foliate decoration, diamond endstone, oversized weights to the balance • gold cuvette with engraved decoration • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, blued steel pierced hands, outer track calibrated for minutes • case back with detailed polychrome enamel landscape with two figures with horses in the foreground, pearl-set palm tree and foliage, translucent blue enamel sky with engine-turned ground, enamel border to the bezels with blue and white geometric pattern, similarly decorated bow and stem

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may benefit from a service soon. Dial in good condition. The case back in good condition, some slight damage to the enamel on the bezel.
"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."

Timepieces have been popular gifts in China for many Centuries, as they are emblems of gratitude and friendship, and are synonymous power or status. Quality enamel, like the beautiful enamel scene we have on this watch, was of great importance for these highly decorative pieces.

Indeed, this enamel painting could be attributed to Jean-Louis Richter (1766-1841) who was among the most renowned enamel painters of the 19th century. His speciality was the painting of landscape and particularly lakesides and seascapes, often representing ships in a harbour or fighting Men-of-War in battle, and on some occasion's portraits and hunting scenes. Richter rarely signed his work, but the style and quality of the painting strongly suggests it is in his hand.
This scene could originally be attributed to the engraving work of Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1785), a fashionable artist during the time of Richter. He principally applied his art to watch cases and snuff boxes destined for the Chinese, Turkish, Italian and English markets.

Examples for his work can be seen in many of the world's foremost collections.