F. GAUDIN À NYON | A FINE GOLD, GILT-METAL AND LEATHER COVERED TRIPLE CASED QUARTER REPEATING REPOUSSE VERGE WATCHCIRCA 1750, NO. 580

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced balance cock and foot engraved with scrolling flowers and foliage, silver regulation disc, flat balance, decorative diamond endstone, fusee and chain, square baluster pillars, gilt-metal dust cap, the movement and dust cap signed and numbered F. Gaudin à Nyon, 580• Dial: gold, the centre chased and engraved with two birds surrounded by scrolling foliage, enamel roundels carrying the Roman numerals with further Arabic numeral roundels above for minutes, outer and inner enamel rings respectively for minutes and quarter hours, blued steel decoratively pierced hands• Cases: gold inner, the band decoratively pierced and engraved with birds and dolphins' heads amongst scrolling foliage, a mask at the base, the centre of the back with engraved boss, stirrup-form bow and pendant with decoratively chased bosses • repoussé mid-case decoratively chased and engraved scene depicting Achilles' quarrel with Agamemnon, after Bernard Picart, the surround pierced and engraved with scrolling flowers and foliage divided by four panels each with a putti representing the four seasons, the front bezel with similarly pierced and engraved sections separated by four panels depicting townscapes, a swan and a rabbit, pulse piece to the band by 7 o'clock • gilt metal and leather covered outer case with pierced roundels for sound emission, the centre of the back with gold pin work in the form of a stylised star, the roundels to both bezels separated by gold pins

Dial: Attractive overall condition, some light hairlines to a few of the enamel roundels, small chip to the top right edge of the numeral at 3 o'clock, dial decoration retains good definition. Inner case with slight depression to the band but decorative scheme retains good clarity. Case: No marks to inside case back beneath bell, the bell itself is deeply engraved 'B C' either side of the central fixing hole. Repoussé case in good overall condition with some light rubbing to the most exposed areas. Leather of outer case in good overall condtion, lacking a couple of the decorative gold pins. All cases fit well together and covers close securely. Movement: Not running at time of cataloguing but repetition is operational and sounding loud and clear to the bell, pulse piece also operational.
"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."

F. Gaudin is listed in Baillie, Watchmakers and Clockmakers, as working in Nyon in the mid 18th century.