William Ilbery

• gilt duplex movement finely chased and engraved with foliate decoration, polished steel balance, diamond endstone • engraved cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold case, back with shield shaped panel with polychrome enamel scene of 'Abelard and Eloise' attributed to Hess, Geneva, surrounded by translucent blue enamel on an engine-turned ground, gold and enamel engraved boarder, both bezels, stem and bow set with seed pearls • movement signed

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement runs for a short time but then stops, it will require servicing. There are some small indentations and scuffs to the cuvette. There is a small scratch to the enamel dial at 11 o'clock but this is barely visible. The enamel is in good condition. A couple of the seed pearls to the front bezel are crazed but overall the case is in good condition. This is a fine example by this historic maker. Very nice and collectible.
"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."

William Ilbery (1760-1839) specialised in the production of luxury watches for the Chinese market. His early production was very much in the English style, featuring a full plate movement and an English type single wheel duplex escapement. The cases of his watches were sumptuously decorated by the best Geneva enamellers. He organized the production of his highly engraved movements for the Asian market in Switzerland, mainly in Fleurier. He was followed in this by makers such as Bovet and Juvet who also worked in Fleurier (Val de Travers). Ilbery can therefore be considered one of the most representative makers of "Chinese" watches.