'THE ROSE' PIGUET & MEYLAN | AN EXCEPTIONAL GOLD AND ENAMEL ROSE-FORM TWO-TRAIN MUSICAL AUTOMATON WATCH WITH CENTRE SECONDS, PLAYING ON THE HOUR AND ON REQUEST, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET CIRCA 1820, NO. 3568

'THE ROSE'
PIGUET & MEYLAN
AN EXCEPTIONAL GOLD AND ENAMEL ROSE-FORM TWO-TRAIN MUSICAL AUTOMATON WATCH WITH CENTRE SECONDS, PLAYING ON THE HOUR AND ON REQUEST, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
CIRCA 1820, NO. 3568

gilded movement, cylinder escapement, hanging barrels for going and music trains, playing music on demand or on the hour via a pinned disc, 19 tuned teeth, movement stamped PM for Piguet Meylan and numbered 3568 to the top plate beneath the dial, small off-set white enamel time dial with black Roman numerals, outer minute ring, centre seconds, surrounded by a polychrome enamel painted lakeside scene, a vari-colour gold gentleman and a lady in the foreground playing a lute and a harp, their arms moving to strum their instruments, three apertures for winding going and music trains and for handset, dial plate numbered 3568 to the reverse, gold case, the back in the form of a pink rose flower, a rose bud and leaf, all seemingly emanating from a gold and pearl-set sepal and stem which also forms the watch's bow, the bezel similarly decorated in enamel, the band pearl-set and with gold geometric pattern heightened with dark blue enamel, lever beneath bezel for silence/musique, inside back numbered 3568
width 48.5mm

Condition Report:
Movement: not running and music not playing at present.

Dial: appears to be in good condition

Case: chip to edge of case back to left of pendant, bezel has some discolouration in some areas probably indicating repairs, Back with possible signs of restoration. Band with restoration. Beneath the bezel is scratch marked what appears to be the name Melleret, Geneve

"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."

Provenance:
Christie's South Kensington, 29 March 2000, lot 68