TH. WALTHER, FÜRSTENWALDE (SPREE)

• unusual gilt lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, micrometer regulator, pendulated winding weight, gold cuvette • gilt dial, Arabic numerals within white lozenges, blued steel spade hands, subsidiary dials for:
• date
• night and day indicator
• phases of the moon
• day
• 24-hours combined with World Time memento dial
• leap year indicator
• leap day indicator
• month
• power reserve
• polished 14k gold case, quarter repeating through slide in the band, two setting buttons in the band, hinged back • movement signed

The layout of the movement and case suggest that the watch was re-cased since the orientation is that of a hunter cased watch. The case, however is German and the pendant is typical of those found on watches with unusual winding mechanisms like this one. The movement runs but it should be cleaned and serviced soon. The dial has some light scratches and spots, but is in generally nice condition. The white lozenges for the numerals are slightly discolored and aged, however it is typical for a piece of this age. The case shows general wear and surface scuffs. The pendant and bow appear to be gilt and have lost some gilding. The inside of the case and cuvette is stamped 11727. Overall this is an interesting watch in good condition. It should be noted that the numeral chapters are soft enamel .All of the dials which are enamel are restored with soft enamel with the exception of the world time dial which is paper.
"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."

Thomas Walther was an innovative German watchmaker active in the second half of the 19th century. He was known as a maker of unusual lever watches including quarter repeating and five-minute repeating clock-watches and calendar watches. A watch with the same self-winding and astronomic complications is mentioned in Abeler, J., Meister der Uhrmacherkunst, p. 644.