CHARLES OUDIN | A YELLOW GOLD OPEN-FACED QUARTER REPEATING CYLINDER WATCH NO 6418, CIRCA 1820

jewelled cylinder movement, repeating on two gongs; yellow gold cuvette; silvered dial, guilloché centre field, Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds; yellow gold case, engine-turned band and back, back monogrammed 'J.N'; case numbered, cuvette signed and numbered   

Jérôme Napoléon, King of Westphalia (1784-1860)
Prince Napoléon, Plon-Plon (1822-1891)
Prince Victor Napoléon (1862-1926)
Prince Louis Napoléon (1914-1997)

DIAL: The dial with discoloration to the outer ring, some loss to the majority of the numerals. the subsidiary seconds track re-blacked. The engine-turned centre field with with marks and light indentations, especially noticeable surrounding the arbour. The subsidiary seconds arbour does not sit centrally to the subsidiary seconds dial. The hands in good condition. MVT: The movement runs only for a short while after winding. The repeating is functioning, signs of repair to the hour gong which has effected the quality of the chime. CASE: The case with scuffs and scratches throughout. The engine-turning on the case back is worn and almost completely lost. The Monogram still crisp and discernible. 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."

Charles Oudin was a particularly innovative watchmaker and studied under Abraham-Louis Breguet, who held him in very high esteem. Oudin established his own workshop at the Palais Royal no. 52 in 1805 and is now considered one of the oldest French horological institutions.