Piaget

• with mechanical and electric powered movements, the massive sliding dial of sunburst mother-of-pearl decoration, retrograde sector above indicating minutes, emerald dot numerals, single white gold hand set with diamonds and emeralds, the substantial case with diamond set bezel, lapis lazuli panels set throughout the extra wide rim, carved lapis, diamond and emerald crown • the large cylindrical clock face resting on a long rectangular base made of white gold, diamonds, lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl, the jumping hour display running throughout the base, to the centre a large sector showing the full calendar of day, date and month, set to each end of the architectural base are carved antique rubies set within a gold and onyx cushion with diamond set border • case, dial and movement signed, accompanied by its original Piaget illustrated instruction brochure and Piaget/Asprey polished wood fitted cabinet, the cabinet interior mounted with an engraved plate detailing the jewel weight of the clock.

Overall the aesthetic aspects of the clock is in extremely good condition. The clock is large and heavy, one of the lapis panels to the drum case is in two pieces, half is attached, the other loose and needs reattachment. The emerald detached and needs repair. The clock presently is not running and will need an overhaul and service before accurate timekeeping is achieved. Sotheby's will cover the cost of the full overhaul of this piece.
"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."

Total weight of clock is 6.68 kg.
Total diamond weight is approximately 53.27 carats.
Total weight of 2 rubies is approximately 34.46 carats.
Total weight of gold is approximately 930 g.

The Piaget Pièce Unique sliding clock is indisputably a masterpiece in the art of contemporary clock making. This extraordinary timepiece indicates the time with retrograde minutes and jumping hour across the base, possible due to its revolutionary movement combining electrical and mechanical features.

The sliding dial is presented atop of the blue toned mother-of-pearl base, with marquetry, lapis lazuli, emeralds and diamonds. Piaget is true to its established tradition of excellence in both technical and aesthetics terms.

This exceptional timepiece is the first clock recorded to incorporate jumping hours and retrograde minutes, a feature until recently only found in wristwatches. This has resulted in a mechanical movement with a constant-force lever escapement and remontoire device.

The exclusive nature of the movement is further enhanced by the unique Art-Deco styled case. In this piece, Piaget master-craftsmen have devoted the full measure of their watchmaking expertise and jewellery-making aptitude to its creation, a process involving several hundreds of hours of work, carried out exclusively by hand.

The concept of the sliding clock dates back to the early 18th century. An illustration depicting an example of a sliding clock is recorded in the 1778 edition of Récréations Mathématiques by the academician Jacques Ozanam, who was deceased in 1717. This Piaget Piece Unique reenvisions the sliding clock for a new century.

Inclined sliding clocks are historically extremely rare, however certain models can be found in prestigious collections, such as the Sandoz Collection in Switzerland, The Musée du Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers in Paris and the Historical Museum of Basel.

For more information about inclined plane clocks, please see Bernard Pin, Watches & Automata The Maurice Sandoz Collection, ed. FEMS, 2011, p. 248-249