TAVERNIER

• the watch: gilt verge movement, balance bridge pierced and engraved with scrolls, gilt-metal cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals • 18k gold case stamped with French goldmarks and casemaker's mark AG below a star within a triangle • cuvette and movement signed, case and movement numbered • the key: one side with white enamel dial with days of the week in French and dates in red with corresponding serpentine indicators, the reverse with fan-form aperture for moon-phases combined with ages of the moon • dial signed L. Tavernier

The movement is running, however it might need service and adjustment soon. It is numbered 7225. The dial appears to have been replaced and it has some chips to the outer edge as well as a hairline near 10 o'clock. The case is in nice condition and the inside of the back is stamped with number 4127 that is slightly rubbed and difficult to make out. The key appears to be in nice condition and advances properly.
"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 mark AG on the case of the present example corresponds to Ami Gross, a Parisian casemaker working between 1798 and 1822.

Born in Paris in 1756, Etienne Tavernier became well known for his for his calendar keys. His production also included watch cases and keys for Breguet as well as snuff boxes. The key in the present lot is signed by his son, Louis Tavernier, suggesting that this key was retailed by the son after the father's death.

The calendar mechanism on the present key creates a symbiotic relationship between the key and the watch such that a daily winding not only powers the watch movement, but also regulates the calendar function on the key.

When the key is placed on the watch's winding square, the calendar and date wheel on the watch advance by one tooth, thus moving the calendar forward by one day. This advance is activated by the winding square on the watch pushing back on the steel rod within the shaft of the key, which in turn pushes back on the calendar wheel. At the same time as the steel rod recedes in the shaft, one protrudes from the band. Pushing this rod back into the case causes a small detent to advance the moon-phase wheel. This in turn makes the rod in the shaft return to its original position.