L. VRARD & CO. | YELLOW GOLD HUNTING-CASED QUARTER REPEATING WATCH WITH ENAMEL SCENE MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKETCIRCA 1880

Dial: white enamel Calibre: key winding lever, jewelledCase: 18k yellow gold, hinged back and cuvette, with polychrome enamel scenes to front and back coversCase number: 93'588 Dimensions: 53 mmSigned: case numbered, cuvette signed and numberedAccessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Repeating sticks occasionally but functioning. CASE: in good overall condition given age and use. the enamel scenes bright and lively with no signs of restoration and no significant scratching or visible damage. DIAL: in very good condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Vrard & Cie was one of the finest and most renowned watchmaking companies of its time, specialising in trading in the Chinese market. The company, which was established in 1860 under the name Laidrich & Vrard, began operating out of Tsientsin in 1862 and opened a branch in Shanghai soon after. The Shanghai office also represented the Bovet brand. Vrard produced relatively simple watches as well as highly complicated and extravagant pieces; some of the high quality watches had enamel cases made by the most eminent makers of Geneva such as Louis Rosselet, Marc Dufaux, Louis Millenet, Louis Pauthex, and P.A. Champod.