Thomas Gardener, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, plain flat balance, decoratively pierced and foliate engraved masked balance cock, fusee and chain, baluster pillars • signed Thomas Gardener, London no. 2043
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Case: plain gold inner case with London hallmarks for 1748 and maker’s mark DA (probably Daniel Aveline) • gold mid case with repoussé scene of the Toilet of Venus against an opaque blue enamel background within a symmetric border of white enamel, signed GB for Guillaume Bouvier to base of scene and either side of ruby-set push piece • outermost case gilt-finished with shagreen covering decorated with gold piqué work

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 203, pl. 114

Movement running at time of cataloguing, winding a little stiff. Dial in good overall condition with small chip just to the right of the opening catch at 6 o'clock. Inner case with light scuffs. Mid case in very attractive condition, retaining good definition to the repoussé scene, enamel generally appears to be in good overall condition, some very small and minor losses to white enamel, possibly some small repairs to the white enamel. Outer shagreen case in good condition, minor wear to gilding. All covers close securely.
"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."

The impressive gold and enamel decoration of the middle case is by Guillaume Bouvier and lends a continental feel to this otherwise thoroughly English watch. David Thompson, in his book Watches, notes that Guillaume Bouvier worked with Daniel Cochin. Bouvier and Cochin are noted for their distinctive combination of repoussé and enamel work and the
present case is an especially fine example. For another case by Bouvier, of similar decorative style, see: D. Thompson, The British Museum Watches, 2008, pp. 78-79. Whilst it is known that Bouvier worked in Paris (and possibly, like Cochin, also Geneva) it is not clear if Bouvier settled for a time in London or whether the case of this watch would have been sent to his workshops for decoration.