Montres de collection / Important watches

Terms and conditions of sale The auction house Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo acts as agent for the seller. It is not a party to the contract of sale that binds the buyer and seller. The following terms and conditions of sale, as well as everything related to the sale, are governed by Monegasque law. All legal actions are within the jurisdiction of the Courts of the Principality of Monaco. The sale takes place for payment in full and the currency is the Euro (?). Guarantees The descriptions in the catalogue are established by the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo if no expert appraiser has assisted, and exclusively by the expert appraiser who assists as required. If necessary, corrections of the description or estimate can be made upon presentation of the object, which shall be pointed to potential purchasers and noted in the record of the sale. In the framework of assistance by an expert appraiser, said latter assumes full responsibility for initial descriptions or modifications made to the report. The liability of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo cannot be engaged in the event of dispute regarding the authenticity or condition of an item, since the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo is bound by an obligation of means. As concerns the condition of the lots offered, note that the lack of reference to the condition in the description given in the catalogue does not imply that the item is free from defects, and certain restorations that do not change its nature and period cannot be a cause of dispute. The item, in the absence of any mention, is considered sold in the state in which it is found. Experts are available to customers of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo prior to each sale to answer any questions concerning such matters. No claim shall be accepted once the hammer falls. Furniture, paintings and art objects Furniture, paintings and art objects are sold in the state in which they are found. The restoration or replacement of elements on furniture or an object that do not change the nature and authenticity of the furniture or object are considered usual upkeep. Re-backing, doubling, and parquetry on a painting are protective measures and do not constitute defects if they are not reported. Dimensions are provided for reference only. Jewellery and watches Coloured stones and pearls A number of precious stones have been professionally treated for their embellishment (heat treatment and oiling for the gems, whitening of pearls). These operations are traditionally accepted by international jewellery traders. For certain pieces of jewellery and with the client-seller's agreement, the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo may obtain reports from gemological laboratories of international repute, which, if requested, may indicate the presence or absence of any heat treatment. For large gemstones and pearls, the Hôtel des Ventes will provide its clients with certificates established by internationally renowned laboratories prior to their sale. If the buyer wishes to have a different certificate from a laboratory of their choice, they must request it between 30 and 10 days prior to the sale. No claims regarding the certificates provided can be accepted after the sale. Animal materials Coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and all materials from endangered species can be sold in a public auction as long as they are an integral part of antique jewellery. Such materials present on modern jewellery will not be admitted. Burmese stones Jewellery studded with Burmese rubies or jadeite cannot be exported to the United States. However if they are accompanied by a certificate or an invoice, dated prior to October 2007, they may enter the American territory. Burmese rubies and jadeite can move freely in the European community. Watches All lots are sold in the state in which they are found. No claims may be brought against the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo and its expert based on the presence of an old repair, on the initial sealing, or its functioning. The potential buyer may request a condition report from the expert before the sale. Execution of the sale and auction All potential buyers must identify themselves beforehand using a registration form made available at the entrance to the room by the staff of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo. She/he must provide a valid piece of identity and, if requested, proof of their bank details. A card bearing a number corresponding to the registration will be delivered to a buyer who will restore it when leaving the room. It is personal and allows the individual to bid during the sale. The auction follows the numerical sequence of the catalogue, unless said order is modified at the discretion of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo. The successful bidder is the highest and last bidder. In the case of a challenge at the time of award, especially in the case where several bidders claim to have made the same bid simultaneously, and the event is clearly established, although the word "Sold" was pronounced, the object is immediately put back on auction starting at the last amount obtained and those present shall be allowed to bid again. References concerning the identity entered on the bid summary shall be identical to those made in the registration form. No changes of identity can be made without approval of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo managers. Once the hammer falls, the buyer is responsible for the integrity of the object acquired, as well as its insurance. Telephone Bids All potential buyers identified by the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo may bid by telephone during the sale. In order to be admissible, requests for telephone lines must be made in writing, accompanied by a valid piece of identity and a RIB (bank account information certificate). The Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo will contact the bidder by telephone during the auction; however, it declines all liability for any error or omission in connection with said service. Imports ? Deposits preceded by this symbol are temporary imports from a non EU country. Their allocated price will be subject to VAT at 5.5 % (?) or 20% (?) in addition to legal costs. The VAT is recoverable in the event of re export outside the EU within one month on presentation of a customs document as evidence of reexport. For jewellery and objects made of precious metal, the buyer will have to pay 2.5% on customs duties and 0.20% on a parafiscal charge in addition to 20% in VAT. Reserve price and estimates An estimate, which does not include costs borne by the purchaser or possible VAT in case of temporary importation, is given in front of each lot in the catalogue. Unless otherwise noted, all lots are offered with a reserve price established by contract with the seller under which the item cannot be awarded. In the absence of a reserve price fixed with the seller, no objection may be made by said latter in the event that the object would be awarded under the estimate range. Pre-emption The Monegasque State may exercise an option to purchase works of art offered for sale in the Principality of Monaco. The state replaces the last bidder. The pre-emption decision is made known to the bailiff immediately after the hammer falls. Said pre-emptive right must be confirmed within two weeks. In the absence of confirmation within said period, the object shall return to the last bidder. Article 2-1 of Law No. 1014 of 29/12/1978 relative to the auction of furniture Guarantees Customs formalities are required for sending works of art to countries outside of the European Union. The buyer must check the rules in force in the destination country before making a purchase. There are no customs formalities for works of art to be delivered in France or other countries of the European Union. Outside of the European Union, customs rules will be those in force in the country of destination of the work. Fees In addition to the hammer price, the buyer must pay a fee of 25% HT excluding VAT up to ? 500 000, 23% excluding VAT on amounts from ? 500 001 to ? 2 000 000 and 20% HT excluding VAT on amounts above ? 2 000 001. Payment The sale is strictly carried out for payment in full. The buyer must pay the purchase price, which includes the amount of the hammer price, fees, and taxes, if any: - By certified bank check in Euro - By bank transfer in Euro - By Visa or MasterCard with proof of identity - In cash in Euro up to an amount equal to or less than ? 30,000 In case of payment by American Express a fee of 2.75% will be added. Cheques drawn on foreign banks will be accepted at the sole discretion of the managers of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo. If the acquisition is not paid in full, the item cannot be handed over to the buyer. The transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer occurs only after the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo has received payment, including commission. The Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo reserves the right to cancel the sale and file a claim to seek damages against the defaulting buyer in the absence of payment by the buyer, after formal notice has remained without answer, and after a month has passed since the bid was accepted by fall of the hammer. Non liability cause Owing to the problems often met with in previous sales of the works of artists, especially Russian and/or Chinese, whose authenticity has been unfairly disputed, it is explicitly stated that Monte Carlo Auction House has decided it will no longer guarantee the authenticity of works marked (**) indicating that these general conditions of sale should be consulted. Their purchasers are therefore informed that no claim will be accepted relating to an issue of authenticity of this kind. RIB (bank account information certificate) HVMC Banque Populaire de Côte d'Azur, BP 207, 98004 Monaco cedex. Numéro de Compte : 60021664861 IBAN : FR76 1560 7000 6460 0216 6486 191 BIC : CCBPFRPPNCE ITALIAN Condizioni di vendita La Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo interviene come mandatario del venditore. Non fa parte del contratto di vendita che collega il venditore con l'acquirente. Le seguenti condizioni di vendita e tutto ciò a cui la vendita fa riferimento, sottostanno al diritto monegasco. Qualsiasi azione giudiziaria è soggetta alla competenza esclusiva dei tribunali del Principato di Monaco. La vendita si realizza a vista e la valuta utilizzata è l'euro (?). Garanzie Le designazioni riportate nel catalogo sono stabilite dalla Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo in assenza di consulenza da parte di un esperto, ed esclusivamente da parte dell'esperto che assiste, se presente. Se necessario, si potranno segnalare rettifiche alla designazione o stima, al momento della presentazione dell'oggetto presentato ai potenziali acquirenti e applicarle nel procedimento verbale della vendita. In caso di consulenza di un esperto, quest'ultimo assume la completa responsabilità delle designazioni iniziali o modifiche apportate nel procedimento verbale. La responsabilità della Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo viene sollevata nel caso di un contenzioso riguardante l'autenticità o lo stato di un bene, essendo la Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo vincolata solo da un obbligo di mezzi. Sullo stato dei lotti presenti, l'assenza di riferimento allo stato nella designazione presentata nel catalogo non implica in nessun modo che l'oggetto sia esente da difetti. Alcuni lavori di restauro che non ne abbiano modificato la natura e l'epoca non possono essere causa di contenzioso. Il bene, in assenza di citazione, è considerato come venduto nello stato in cui si trova. Gli esperti sono a disposizione dei clienti della Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo prima di ogni vendita per rispondere a tutti gli eventuali quesiti. Non saranno ammessi reclami una volta pronunciata l'aggiudicazione. Mobiliario, quadri e oggetti d'arte I mobili, quadri e oggetti sono venduti nello stato in cui si trovano. Su un mobile o un oggetto, il restauro o la sostituzione di elementi che non ne abbiano modificato la natura o il carattere autentico del mobile o dell'oggetto, sono da considerarsi come opere di manutenzione dovute all'uso. Su un quadro, la rintelatura, il rifodero o la parchettatura sono misure conservatrici e non costituiscono errore di diritto se non segnalati. Le dimensioni sono fornite a titolo indicativo. Gioielli e orologi Pietre colorate e perle Alcune pietre preziose sono state trattate professionalmente per migliorarne l'aspetto (trattamento termico e oliatura per le gemme, sbiancatura per le perle). Queste operazioni sono tradizionalmente ammesse dai negozianti internazionali in gioielleria. Per alcuni gioielli e con l'accordo cliente-venditore, la Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo può richiedere il resoconto da parte di laboratori di gemmologia internazionalmente riconosciuti, i quali, se richiesto, possono indicare la presenza o assenza di qualsiasi trattamento termico. Per le pietre preziose importanti e le perle fini, l'Hôtel des Ventes mette a disposizione dei clienti dei certificati rilasciati preventivamente da alcuni laboratori di fama internazionale. Qualora l'acquirente desideri un certificato diverso, proveniente da un laboratorio di sua scelta, dovrà farne richiesta da 30 a 10 giorni prima della vendita. Dopo la vendita non sono ammessi reclami relativi ai certificati forniti. Materiali di origine animale Il corallo, l'avorio, la tartaruga e gli altri materiali provenienti da specie in via d'estinzione possono essere venduti all'asta perché appartengono alla categoria di gioielli antichi. Questi materiali presenti su gioielli moderni non saranno ammessi. Le pietre birmane I gioielli decorati in rubino o giadeite birmani non possono essere esportati verso gli Stati Uniti. Tuttavia, se accompagnati da un certificato o una fattura, con data anteriore al mese di Ottobre 2007, possono entrare in territorio americano. Nella comunità europea, i rubini e giadeite birmani possono circolare liberamente. Orologi Tutti i lotti sono venduti nello stato in cui si trovano. Non si accetteranno reclami contro la Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo o il suo esperto in caso di vecchia riparazione, sull'impermeabilità iniziale o sul meccanismo. L'acquirente potenziale potrà richiedere all'esperto un resoconto sullo stato delle condizioni prima della vendita. Funzionamento della vendita all'asta Qualsiasi acquirente potenziale dovrà identificarsi previamente attraverso un modulo di registrazione a disposizione all'entrata della sala del personale della Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo. Dovrà fornire un documento d'identità valido e, a richiesta, giustificare i riferimenti bancari. Gli sarà consegnato un cartoncino con il numero corrispondente alla sua registrazione: l'acquirente dovrà poi restituirlo all'uscita dalla sala. Questo cartoncino è strettamente personale e permette di aumentare l'offerta durante l'asta. Le aste seguiranno l'ordine di numerazione del catalogo, eccetto in caso di modifiche all'ordine stabilito decise in modo arbitrario dalla Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo. L'aggiudicatario è colui che offre di più e per ultimo. Al momento dell'aggiudicazione, in caso di contestazione, e soprattutto se più di un offerente ha dichiarato un'offerta simultanea ad un'altra equivalente, e in caso di stabilire l'accaduto in modo chiaro, e pur avendo pronunciato la parola "Aggiudicato", l'oggetto sarà rimesso all'asta immediatamente all'ultimo importo ottenuto e tutte le persone presenti autorizzate dovranno realizzare di nuovo la propria offerta. I dati relativi all'identità apportati nell'aggiudicazione dovranno essere gli stessi presenti nel modulo di registrazione. Non sarà possibile applicare modifiche all'identità senza la previa autorizzazione dei dirigenti della Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo. Una volta pronunciata l'aggiudicazione, l'acquirente è responsabile dell'integrità dell'oggetto acquisito e della relativa assicurazione. Aste telefoniche Qualsiasi acquirente potenziale identificatosi presso la Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo potrà proporre offerte per telefono durante la vendita. Le richieste di linea telefonica devono essere formulate per iscritto, accompagnate da documento d'identità valido e dei dati bancari. La Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo contatterà per telefono il potenziale acquirente durante l'asta ma si dichiara esente da qualsiasi responsabilità in caso di errori o omissioni nell'ambito del servizio. Importazione ? I depositi preceduti da questa sigla sono in importazione temporanea da un paese non appartenente alla CEE. Il loro prezzo di aggiudicazione verrà maggiorato dell'IVA al 5,5 % (?) o al 20% (?) oltre alle spese legali. Tale IVA sarà recuperabile in caso di riesportazione al di fuori della CEE entro un mese presentando il documento doganale comprovante la riesportazione. Per i gioielli e gli oggetti in metalli preziosi, l'acquirente, oltre a una tassa sul valore aggiunto pari al 20%, dovrà pagare inoltre i dazi doganali (2,5%) e la tassa parafiscale (0,20%). Presso di riserva e estime In corrispondenza di ogni lotto nel catalogo, si trova una stima che non include nè i prezzi a carico dell'acquirente nè l'IVA eventuale in caso di importazione temporanea. Salvo precisazioni, tutti i lotti sono offerti ad un prezzo di riserva contrattualmente stabilito con il venditore, sotto il quale il bene non può essere aggiudicato. In assenza di prezzo di riserva fissato con il venditore, non si potranno formulare contestazioni da parte del venditore stesso nell'ipotesi in cui l'oggetto fosse aggiudicato al ribasso rispetto al prezzo stimato. Prelazione Lo Stato Monegasco può esercitare un diritto di prelazione sulle opere d'arte messe in vendita nel Principato di Monaco. Lo stato si sostituisce all'ultimo offerente. La decisione di prelazione viene comunicata all'usciere subito dopo aver pronunciato l'aggiudicazione. Viene citata nel procedimento verbale della stessa. Deve essere confermata entro quindici giorni. In assenza di conferma durante questo periodo di tempo, l'oggetto ritorna all'ultimo offerente. Articolo 2-1 legge n°1.014 du 29/12/1978 sulla vendita pubblica di mobili Esportazione Saranno richieste le formalità doganali per la spedizione di opere d'arte nei paesi fuori dall'Unione Europea. Si consiglia all'acquirente di verificare, prima dell'acquisto, le norme in vigore nel paese di destinazione. Se un'opera d'arte dovrà essere consegnata in Francia o in un altro paese dell'Unione Europea non vi sarà nessuna formalità doganale. Fuori dall'Unione Europea, le norme doganali saranno quelle in vigore nel paese di destinazione dell'opera. Spese frais Oltre al prezzo di aggiudicazione, l'acquirente dovrà sostenere una commissione pari al 25% tasse escluse per la quota fino a 500.000 ?, al 23% tasse escluse per la quota compresa tra 500.001 ? e 2.000.000 ? e del 20% tasse escluse sulla quota superiore a 2.000.001 ?. Pagamento La vendita si realizza esclusivamente a vista. L'acquirente deve far fronte al prezzo d'acquisto che include l'importo dell'aggiudicazione, le spese e le eventuali tasse: - Con assegno bancario certificato in euro - Con bonifico bancario in euro - Con carta di credito Visa o Mastercard con documento d'identità - In contanti in euro fino ad un importo uguale o inferiore di 30 000 ? Una commissione di 2.75% verrà aggiunta per ogni pagamento con carta American Express. Gli assegni emessi da banca straniera saranno accettati solo a discrezione della Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo. Se l'acquisizione non viene regolarizzata a vista, l'oggetto non potrà essere consegnato all'acquirente. Il passaggio di proprietà dal venditore all'acquirente si effettua solo una volta che la Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo ha ricevuto il pagamento, commissione inclusa. In mancanza di pagamento da parte dell'acquirente e una volta trascorso il periodo di mora infruttuosa e scaduto il termine di un mese dalla data dell'aggiudicazione, la Casa d'Aste di Monte Carlo si riserva il diritto di annullare la vendita e intraprendere misure ai danni dell'acquirente insolvente. Responsabilita' Per colpa delle difficoltà spesso incontrate riguardo alle vendite di alcuni artisti russi e/o cinesi, la cui autenticità è stata ingiustamente contestata, HVMC ha deciso di non garantire le opere segnate da (**) che si riferiscono alle presenti condizioni di vendita. Gli acquirenti sono dunqui informati che nessuna denuncia verrà ricevuta, relativamente a tale autenticità. RIB HVMC Banque Populaire de Côte d'Azur, BP 207, 98004 Monaco cedex. Numéro de Compte : 60021664861 IBAN : FR76 1560 7000 6460 0216 6486 191 BIC : CCBPFRPPNCE Contract The auction house Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo acts as agent for the seller. It is not a party to the contract of sale that binds the buyer and seller. The following terms and conditions of sale, as well as everything related to the sale, are governed by Monegasque law. All legal actions are within the jurisdiction of the Courts of the Principality of Monaco. The sale takes place for payment in full and the currency is the Euro (?). Execution of the sale and auction All potential buyers must identify themselves beforehand using a registration form made available at the entrance to the room by the staff of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo. She/he must provide a valid piece of identity and, if requested, proof of their bank details. A card bearing a number corresponding to the registration will be delivered to a buyer who will restore it when leaving the room. It is personal and allows the individual to bid during the sale. The auction follows the numerical sequence of the catalogue, unless said order is modified at the discretion of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo. The successful bidder is the highest and last bidder. In the case of a challenge at the time of award, especially in the case where several bidders claim to have made the same bid simultaneously, and the event is clearly established, although the word "Sold" was pronounced, the object is immediately put back on auction starting at the last amount obtained and those present shall be allowed to bid again. References concerning the identity entered on the bid summary shall be identical to those made in the registration form. No changes of identity can be made without approval of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo managers. Once the hammer falls, the buyer is responsible for the integrity of the object acquired, as well as its insurance. Telephone Bids All potential buyers identified by the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo may bid by telephone during the sale. In order to be admissible, requests for telephone lines must be made in writing, accompanied by a valid piece of identity and a RIB (bank account information certificate). The Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo will contact the bidder by telephone during the auction; however, it declines all liability for any error or omission in connection with said service. Payment The sale is strictly carried out for payment in full. The buyer must pay the purchase price, which includes the amount of the hammer price, fees, and taxes, if any: - By certified bank check in Euro - By bank transfer in Euro - By Visa or MasterCard with proof of identity - In cash in Euro up to an amount equal to or less than ? 30,000 In case of payment by American Express a fee of 2.75% will be added. Cheques drawn on foreign banks will be accepted at the sole discretion of the managers of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo. If the acquisition is not paid in full, the item cannot be handed over to the buyer. The transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer occurs only after the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo has received payment, including commission. The Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo reserves the right to cancel the sale and file a claim to seek damages against the defaulting buyer in the absence of payment by the buyer, after formal notice has remained without answer, and after a month has passed since the bid was accepted by fall of the hammer. Storage and Shipping The buyer may collect purchased lots only after all amounts due to Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo have been paid (hammer price plus buyer's premium and any applicable taxes and costs). In accordance with Article 14 of French Act no. 2000-642 of July 10th 2000, if the successful bidder fails to pay for an item after the issuance of a formal demand that remains without effect, the item shall be re-auctioned at the seller's request. If the price of the new bid is lower than the original false bidder's price, the false bidder shall pay the difference. If the seller does not make such a request within one month of the auction, the sale shall be cancelled by operation of law, without prejudice to the damages payable by the false bidder. Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo reserves the right to claim the following from the false bidder: - interest at the statutory rate, - the reimbursement of the additional costs incurred by reason of his/her default, - payment of the sale price or: - the difference between this price and the resale price if the latter is lower, as well as the costs incurred in relation with the re-auction. - the difference between this price and the original false bidder's price if the latter is lower, as well as the costs incurred by the re-auction. Tajan also reserves the right to offset any amounts which the false bidder owes to it. HVMC reserves the right to ban any bidder who fails to comply with its general terms and conditions of sale from attending any future auction. Items that are not claimed within 14 calendar days of the auction will be moved to a third party warehouse at the buyer's risk and expense. Fees Anglais : In addition to the hammer price, the buyer must pay a fee of 25% HT excluding VAT up to ? 500 000, 23% excluding VAT on amounts from ? 500 001 to ? 2 000 000 and 20% HT excluding VAT on amounts above ? 2 000 001. Italien : Oltre al prezzo di aggiudicazione, l'acquirente dovrà sostenere una commissione pari al 25% tasse escluse per la quota fino a 500.000 ?, al 23% tasse escluse per la quota compresa tra 500.001 ? e 2.000.000 ? e del 20% tasse escluse sulla quota superiore a 2.000.001 ?. Taxes and VAT Customs formalities are required for sending works of art to countries outside of the European Union. The buyer must check the rules in force in the destination country before making a purchase. There are no customs formalities for works of art to be delivered in France or other countries of the European Union. Outside of the European Union, customs rules will be those in force in the country of destination of the work. Guarantees The descriptions in the catalogue are established by the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo if no expert appraiser has assisted, and exclusively by the expert appraiser who assists as required. If necessary, corrections of the description or estimate can be made upon presentation of the object, which shall be pointed to potential purchasers and noted in the record of the sale. In the framework of assistance by an expert appraiser, said latter assumes full responsibility for initial descriptions or modifications made to the report. The liability of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo cannot be engaged in the event of dispute regarding the authenticity or condition of an item, since the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo is bound by an obligation of means. As concerns the condition of the lots offered, note that the lack of reference to the condition in the description given in the catalogue does not imply that the item is free from defects, and certain restorations that do not change its nature and period cannot be a cause of dispute. The item, in the absence of any mention, is considered sold in the state in which it is found. Experts are available to customers of the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo prior to each sale to answer any questions concerning such matters. No claim shall be accepted once the hammer falls. Furniture, paintings and art objects Furniture, paintings and art objects are sold in the state in which they are found. The restoration or replacement of elements on furniture or an object that do not change the nature and authenticity of the furniture or object are considered usual upkeep. Re-backing, doubling, and parquetry on a painting are protective measures and do not constitute defects if they are not reported. Dimensions are provided for reference only. Jewellery and watches Coloured stones and pearls A number of precious stones have been professionally treated for their embellishment (heat treatment and oiling for the gems, whitening of pearls). These operations are traditionally accepted by international jewellery traders. For certain pieces of jewellery and with the client-seller's agreement, the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo may obtain reports from gemological laboratories of international repute, which, if requested, may indicate the presence or absence of any heat treatment. For large gemstones and pearls, the Hôtel des Ventes will provide its clients with certificates established by internationally renowned laboratories prior to their sale. If the buyer wishes to have a different certificate from a laboratory of their choice, they must request it between 30 and 10 days prior to the sale. No claims regarding the certificates provided can be accepted after the sale. Animal materials Coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and all materials from endangered species can be sold in a public auction as long as they are an integral part of antique jewellery. Such materials present on modern jewellery will not be admitted. Burmese stones Jewellery studded with Burmese rubies or jadeite cannot be exported to the United States. However if they are accompanied by a certificate or an invoice, dated prior to October 2007, they may enter the American territory. Burmese rubies and jadeite can move freely in the European community. Watches All lots are sold in the state in which they are found. No claims may be brought against the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte Carlo and its expert based on the presence of an old repair, on the initial sealing, or its functioning. The potential buyer may request a condition report from the expert before the sale. Non liability cause Owing to the problems often met with in previous sales of the works of artists, especially Russian and/or Chinese, whose authenticity has been unfairly disputed, it is explicitly stated that Monte Carlo Auction House has decided it will no longer guarantee the authenticity of works marked (**) indicating that these general conditions of sale should be consulted. Their purchasers are therefore informed that no claim will be accepted relating to an issue of authenticity of this kind.