Tiffany & Co.

• manual winding nickel lever jeweled movement, cut bi-metallic compensation • 18k gold cuvette • gilt dial, applied stylized Arabic numerals, unusual openwork hands, subsidiary seconds, central modified scroll-form appliqué • engraved bezel enhanced with raised scrollwork at five points, hinged back with highly stylized elaborately chased Art Nouveau motif, unusual foliate bow • case, cuvette, dial and movement signed  

A lovely example. Movement is in working order while cataloguing, but it has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense in the near future. It is numbered 19431, which is repeated on the cuvette and case. The finish of the dial appears slightly inconsistent under magnification around the numerals and central medallion. The repoussé work is very impressive, and appears as though it could represent a highly stylized overlapping monogram. The more shallow engraving on the band and bezel appears to have been polished, though it is certainly intended to be less deep than the répousse work.
"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."

The case decoration of the present example features the organic-inspired lines so characteristic of Art Nouveau creations. The motif is reminiscent of the designs by Paulding Farnham, Tiffany & Co's head of jewelry design between the mid-1880s and 1902. 

Examples of Farnham's designs are illustrated in Loring, J. Tiffany Timepieces, p. 88-89, 92-99 and 104-9.