Vaucher Frères

• cylinder movement with gilt brass and blue steel plates, the  polished steel repeat work visible on the back plate beneath a glazed cuvette, two polished steel hammers striking twin blued and polished steel serpentine gongs • fan-form white enamel dial calibrated for minutes with Arabic numeral hours, the central gold panel engraved with a scene representing Susanna and the Elders, a partly clad Susanna is seated within an arcaded garden whilst two hidden elders spy upon her • 18k gold engine-turned case • dial signed Vaucher Frères

Striking in good condition, movement is decoratively well executed and in good order, the bridges largely in good condition, striking clearly and in phase, minor wear to case back, dial appears to be in good order and uncracked. the movement is running but slowly and will certainly need a cleaning.
"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."

In the story of Susanna and the Elders, from the Book of Daniel, two lecherous men surreptitiously watch the young married Susanna bathing in her yard. When she refuses to consent to their subesequent indecent proposal, they falsely accuse her of promiscuous behavior and she is arrested. Ultimately, through her unbending faith, she is vindicated and the two men are tried and executed.

This tale is cited often as a parable of truth and purity prevailing over corruption and indecency. As such, it is the subject of many paintings and has also been represented on a fair number of watches to come to auction. The engraving on the present example is finely executed, making the scene at once recognizable.