Robin, Hger. du Roi

* 5 1/2" enamel dial signed Robin Hlger. du Roi, the outer edge at 6 o'clock signed Dubuisson, two gilt-pierced and engraved brass hands for hours and solar minutes, three blued steel hands for mean time minutes, annual calendar and center seconds, the outer edge calibrated with signs of the zodiac, winding squares concealed by the leaf milled ormolu bezel * Graham-type escapement mounted within the plates, rectangular plated movement with four pillars, spring driven strike train striking bell above, gridiron pendulum pendant with knife edge pendulum bob * rectangular mahogany case with Eboniste maker's signature F. J. Papst, glazed panels with ormolu leaf tip borders and moldings, the dial with an ormolu tasseled drape below

With key. Not running, missing one weight, with extra suspension block and bracket.
"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."

Robert Robin, the most renowned French clockmaker to work in the latter part of the eighteenth-century, was born at Chauny in 1741. He was received as a master clockmaker in November 1767 by decree of the Council exempting him from the apprenticeship qualification, probably because he had already displayed such a formidable talent for his art. He was made Horloger du Duc de Chartres in 1778, Horloger du Roi in 1784 and Horloger de la Reine in 1786 as well as many other formal appointments during the fading years of the Royal family and into the era of the Republic. He established premises at various addresses in Paris and was at the prestigious Galeries du Louvre from 1786.

Robin was a remarkable engineer with a creative mind. He was prominent among a small circle of great clockmakers at the end of the eighteenth-century who greatly improved the accuracy of time measurement. During the final years of the French monarchy Robin supplied the Crown with a considerable number of clocks. The various inventories for the King, the Queen and that of Monsieur, the King's brother, list upwards of forty clocks by Robin.

Robin died in Paris on 17 July 1799.