Le Roy & Fils

• 11’’’ nickel lever movement, jeweled, repeating on two gongs by two hammers • painted enamel dial of a huntress chasing a deer, painted Breguet numerals • 18k yellow gold outer case, chased and engraved with a classical hunting scene, middle case with painted enamel scene of two classical figures and two putti, the band with medallions of classical waterside landscapes, the interior of the case with a pastoral and lakeside scene, the innermost case of cylindrical form with a glazed back • case signed on the innermost case on the band

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, runs fast. Enamel case overall in very good condition, a couple areas of pitting and light scratches. Outer case lightly worn. Dial in good condition with some light 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 was purposefully adapted to retain high quality components from multiple watches. The movement, inner case, and dial are all circa 1900.  Interestingly, the enamel case of this watch, signed Marchal, dates to circa 1700.  An outer case with repoussé encloses the whole watch, and dated to circa 1730. The unusually sized case fits perfectly with the outer case, which suggests that the outer case was specifically made for this watch despite being dated to 30 years later. The more modern movement suggests that either the original one needed an upgrade, or was damaged beyond repair and necessitating a new dial as well.

By combining several different styles, the maker has re-appropriated them to the 20th century.  LeRoy clearly considered the designs of the earlier two out cases when designing the enamel dial.  The use of enamel on the dial resonates with the enamel scene on the inner case.  The greenery in the inner case also has echoes on the enamel dial.  Though the repousse case and the dial differ in date and maker, they reflect the same theme.  The splendid repousse depicts the classical trope of Atalanta and Meleager on the Caledonian Boar Hunt, while the charming enamel scene on the dial portrays a young woman hunting a deer.  By choosing enamel and a hunting scene when designing the dial, LeRoy has connected all three elements of this watch together to form a beautifully crafted unique piece.