FRÈRES ROCHAT

• the brightly colored bird with swiveling body, flapping wings, head, beak and tail, the bird rising from a bird-shaped reserve, the surrounded gilt-brass engraved with trellis motif, the aperture set with split pearls, the bird concealed beneath a vari-color gold hinged oval panel, the panel chased with bouquet of flowers partly set with rose-cut diamonds and rubies, the reserves further chased with foliate scrolls issuing from classically styled urns, the sides and base with wavy engine-turned design • the movement stamped FR (Frères Rochat) within an oval, hinged back compartment stamped with case maker's mark CI within an oval

A lovely and rare example, highly collectible. The bird is operational, however it will require some restoration. Mechanically, there are several issues. There are leaks in the leather which is a replacement. It is missing its relief pink and valve. The lid does not lift fully. The piston sticks. The bird's eyes are missing. The lift lever is loose. There is epoxy blue throughout from a prior restoration. There are three screws holding down the mask around the bird and they are replacements. T he pins are missing. Many of the other screws are not original and should be replaced by ones of higher quality. The movement is stamped FR within and oval as well as 43 and G within a cartouche, Swiss control. The box requires a male winding key, which is now lacking. The buyer will have to find or make a replacement. The Case – the gold work is of high quality. The lid has a rich patina and the cashing is extremely crisp and well defined, suggesting it has been well looked after.
"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 firm of Frères Rochat began as David Rochat & Son in Le Brassus (1718-1806) and became famous for its complicated movements and a variety of complex novelties that included singing birds in mirrors, snuff boxes, needle cases and pistols.

For a discussion of their work see Jaquet, E. & Chapuis, A. The Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, pp. 154-156. The firm was listed as 'Geneva makers 1810-1835'.

Chapuis notes that Rochat and his son worked for the firm of Jaquet Droz and Leschot and reprints a letter from Droz and Leschot which reads '6th December, 1804, to Messrs. Rochat et Fils, Le Brassus. In reply to your esteemed letter of 22nd November, there is no need for you to come here specially but only when you happen to be coming to Geneva. We want you to make a bird which will serve as a model for the cartels you manufacture, so that you can tell how long this will take you'.

For a biography on Frères Rochat and illustrations of their work, see Bailly, S. & C., Oiseaux de Bonheur, Geneva, 2001, pp. 211-260.