ROLEX | LADY'S SILVER AND NIELLO WRISTWATCH WITH ENAMEL DIAL AND BRACELET

• Case No: 749534 • Date: circa 1910• Movement: manual winding movement  • Material: silver and niello• Bracelet / Watch Closure: a silver and niello expandable bracelet• Signature: case and movement signed• Measurements: diameter 27 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 155 mm (max)This model, made prior to 1910, is among the first Rolex wristwatches ever produced. A rare piece, its resemblance to the more popular pocket watches at the time is still visible and emphasized by the hinged back of the round silver case. Probably made for the Russian market, the case and bracelet are decorated with niello, a black mixture of different materials including silver and lead. Notable is furthermore the red 12-hour marker on the enamel dial, which gained popularity with the introduction of wristwatches as it helped the wearer to read the time.

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. The enamel dial with a visible crack between 2 and 8, a chip at 11 underneath the front cover, a small broken off part in the middle where the hands are attached, as well as with additional hairlines. The case in fair condition given the age of the watch, with scuffs, scratches and small dents throughout. The bracelet with signs of wear as several of the niello decorations have come off. Its circumference is approx. 135 mm and can be expanded to about 155 mm. 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.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The online condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance purposes only. The images of the lot also form part of the online condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Any reference to condition in the online condition report does not amount to a full description of condition. The online condition report may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the online condition report of the lot or shown in the online images of the lot (for example, the online condition report 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. The online condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the online condition report is a statement of subjective, qualified opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's (for example, information regarding colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's). Please also note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and wrist bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. In addition, certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot (for example, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades). For these reasons, the online condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. Prospective buyers should also refer to the Buying at Auction guide which includes important notices concerning the type of property in this sale. 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. Please be advised that wristbands 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. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS (ONLINE ONLY).