CZAPEK & CIE. | A YELLOW GOLD QUARTER REPEATING CYLINDER WATCH WITH ENAMEL PORTRAITS, CHAIN, SEAL AND RINGNO 1529, CIRCA 1850

jewelled cylinder movement; yellow gold cuvette; white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute track; yellow gold case, the crystal with later central enamel portrait depicting Jerome Bonaparte and Catharina of Württemberg, coin-edged band, the reverse with engraved Napoleonic arms with central enamel portrait depicting Napoleon I; movement signed, case numbered; accompanied by an associated yellow metal and pearl chain, key, seal in the form of an eagle head, and enameled and diamond-set ring inscribed 'sous le masque la vérité' 

Prince Napoléon, Plon-Plon (1822-1891)
Prince Victor Napoléon (1862-1926)
Prince Louis Napoléon (1914-1997)

DIAL: With no visible hairlines. Very good condition. MVT: Movement not running at the time of cataloguing. The repeating not functioning. CASE: With scuffs throughout. The enamel with surface scratches, but no loss. The engraving crisp and well defined. The cuvette with scuffs and scratches. OTHER: The chain In good condition overall. Some loss to the black enamel to the links. The ring with loss to the enamel mask, beneath the mask is a pearl. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Founded in 1845, after 6 years of partnership with Antoine Norbert de Patek, Francois Czapek, quite rightly recognised as one of the best watchmakers of the 19th Century, began a personal venture Czapek & Cie.  So high was the esteem in which Czapek was held that the company provided watches to the French Imperial Court and was appointed the Watchmaker of Prince Napoléon in 1850.