A fine and rare gold tonneau minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch, Franck Muller, 'Tourbillon Imperial', Limited Edition, no. 05, ref. 5850 RM T, circa 1998

18k, gilt lever movement, the bridges and plates engraved with scrolls, 32 jewels, one minute tourbillon carriage with mono-metallic compensation balance visible beneath the dial, slide repeat, silvered engine-turned dial, tumbling arabic numerals, indicator at 10 o'clock for the end of the striking-work, tonneau case with sapphire crystal display back, case, dial and movement signed, with 18k gold Franck Muller buckle, accompanied by Franck Muller cardboard slipcase, wood box and certificate.

Franck Muller first introduced the 'Imperial Tourbillon' line of wristwatches in 1995.  The current lot represents number 5 in a limited edition.