FRÈRES ESQUIVILLON ET DE CHOUDENS | AN UNUSUAL VARI-COLOURED GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET QUARTER REPEATING VERGE WATCH CIRCA 1790 NO.2435

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance bridge, polished steel hammers repeating on a bell, signed and numbered Frères Esquivillon et de Choudens, no.2435• Dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute ring with Arabic numeral quarter hour divisions• Case: gold, split-pearl-set bezel, case back with vari-coloured gold decoration depicting a young shepherd in a grotto highlighted with translucent blue and red enamel, white champlevé enamel scene to the right showing his flock

Movement: Not running or repeating at the time of cataloguing. Balance rotates freely when power is applied to the train. Dial: white enamel in good condition. Case: wear to the decoration and scuffs throughout.
"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 firm of Esquivillon & De Choudens was formed by Gédéon Esquivillon and Jacques De Choudens. In 1774, the association was expanded to include Jacques' brothers Jean-François and Joseph Esquivillon (see: K. Pritchard, Swiss Timepiece Makers 1775-1975, vol.1, p.E-42).