AUGUST BACHER, STUTTGART | A FINE GOLD OPEN-FACED DUPLEX CALENDAR WATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND RETROGRADE SECTORS FOR SECONDS, DAYS AND MONTHCIRCA 1830

• Movement: unsigned gilded ½ plate, duplex escapement, plain three-arm steel balance, large ruby jewels• Dial: white enamel, subsidiary time dial, two further subsidiary dials with gold hands for date and moon phases, three retrograde sectors for seconds, days and months (the months running from right to left)• Case: gold, the back engraved with flowers and foliage, pendant and bezels chased and engraved with flowers and foliage, milled band, gilt-metal cuvette with apertures and directional for winding and handset, signed Bacher Hofuhrmacher [court watchmaker] in Stuttgart, additionally engraved à Paris, case back numbered 7386 and with maker's mark IN incuse

Dr. H. Crott Auktionen No.43 Frankfurt, 27 April 1991, lot 199

Movement: running at time of cataloguing, surfaces appear in good condition with some slight tarnishing. Winding and hand setting smoothly. the retrograde seconds slows as it reaches the top of the minute before resetting to 0. Calendar functions not tested at time of cataloguing. Dial: appears to be in good condition. Case: in good overall condition with light scuffs and scratches.
"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."

August Bacher is listed by J. Abeler in Meister der Uhrmacherkunst, 1977, p.50.