'THE BARKING DOG' PIGUET & MEYLAN | A VERY FINE, RARE AND SMALL GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET OPEN-FACED QUARTER REPEATING AUTOMATON WATCH MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET CIRCA 1810, NO. 277

'THE BARKING DOG'
PIGUET & MEYLAN
A VERY FINE, RARE AND SMALL GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET OPEN-FACED QUARTER REPEATING AUTOMATON WATCH MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
CIRCA 1810, NO. 277

gilded half plate movement, cylinder escapement, plunge repeat activating the quarter repeating and the bellows for the 'barking dog', eccentric white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, translucent blue enamel background, vari-coloured gold scene of a dog barking at a cat, the dog's head raises and lowers while barking the hours and quarters and the cat moves its tail from side to side, gold case, the reverse with polychrome enamel painted summer flowers against a light green enamel ground, both bezels set with pearls, reeded band with opening panel at the base for the bark, gold cuvette stamped PM within a lozenge-shaped cartouche for Piguet & Meylan, cover, cuvette and bezel numbered 277, later associated gold and enamel key
diameter 39mm

Condition Report:
Movement: running at the time of cataloguing. Dog barks the hours and quarters, however it may benefit from a service
Dial: the blue enamel is restored and now with small scratches to the enamel by. Tarnishing to the automata cat.
Case: a couple of small scratches to the floral enamel panel. Light scratches to the cuvette. In addition to the orignial maker's stamp PM for Piguet Meylan and the original stamped number which are both the inside of the cuvette, the front of the cuvette appears to have had a further script form signature added later which reads: "J. [sic] D. Piguet & P. Meylan, Geneve, N 277"
Associated key worn and only adjusts the hands, does not wind the mechanism

"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."