Lot 42
  • 42

Swiss

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • AN UNUSUAL EMERALD-SET CROCODILE BROOCH WITH INSET WATCH MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKETCIRCA 1890
  • gold, enamel and emerald
  • length 42 mm, width 33.5 mm
• cylinder movement • white enamel dial, Arabic numerals • ball case with translucent red enamel on engine-turned ground, the ball held within the mouth of the twisting crocodile, highlighted with a row of graduated emeralds • unsigned

Condition

The movement is currently not running, possibly due to a broken balance staff. Our watchmaker has advised that due to the very small size of the cylinder movement, a new balance would have to be re-built. There is damage and some loss to the red enamel and steel replacement screws have been applied to the back. There are some chips to the emeralds but overall the body of the crocodile is in good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

For a similar example see Chapuis, A., La Montre Chinoise, p. 250.