This is a superbly designed and executed watch, in all respects a tribute to the skills and talents of late 20th century horologists. The design was inspired by the eminent German watchmaker Alfred Helwig. See note to lot No. 334.Sidereal timeis the time it takes the earth to make one full revolution around its axis. Since in practice, it can be measured as the Earth's rotation with respect to distant celestial objects it is called sidereal or star time (sider = star in Latin). The sidereal day is 23 hours 56 minutes and 41 seconds. There is one more day in a sidereal year than in a solar year."Robbery"Sometime ago, a few weeks before Christmas, it snowed all night. The trees were beautifully covered in snow, their branches bending under the heavy load. People were warmly dressed for it was bitterly cold but there was a joyful atmosphere. Streets and shops were decorated with Santa Claus, candles and toys. On every corner were Christmas trees with colorful lights and the sound of Christmas carols and bells filled the air. Christmas was coming.A fine lady entered a prominent watch shop. She was not in the prime of her youth anymore but she had a big smile on her face when the salesman approached her. "Good morning, Madam, what can I do for you?""Well", she replied, "I would like to buy a watch. It is a gift for a friend of mine and it must be something very special.""I understand", the salesman said, "please follow me, do take a seat. Do you have anything specific in mind? We have a good choice of wristwatches in gold or in steel. May be I can show you a few?""No, thank you", the lady replied, "I am actually looking for a pocket watch! I know my friend would enjoy that more.""I understand! Please give me a couple of minutes. I want to see what we have for you." As he said so he disappeared. He felt somewhat perturbed because no one on earth wanted a pocket watch these days. They are most impractical and no longer in fashion. Similarly, seldom did you see a man wearing a tie nowadays. In fact, when you go to a restaurant, properly dressed and with a tie, you tend to feel like an outsider. And of course, even fewer people wear a waistcoat today, which was made for carying a pocket watch on a chain, but if she wants a pocket watch then the customer is king.He returned with three pocket watches on a green velvet tray, one in gold and the others gold plated. They had white dials and nice hands. The lady took one in her hand. As she looked at it, the smile slowly vanished from her face."No", she said, "I am not sure about these watches. I was looking for a heavier pocket watch and possibly in pink gold. Would you have anything better?""But Madam!", the salesman replied, "these are high quality watches! Allow me to show you the movement". He took a knife from the table drawer and expertly opened the back of the watch. The movement was now visible with all its fine wheels. "15 Rubis", it said on one of the bridges, which gleamed in golden splendor. The balance was swinging back and forth happily."You see, Madam, you are unlikely to find anything better today. May I remind you that pocket watches are not in fashion, in fact we are lucky to be able to offer these three. Normally we do not even have them in stock any more. But it is Christmas time and therefore, well, you know what I mean"."Yes, I understand but this is not really what I wanted. It is for a very special occasion, one that only happens to a lady once in a lifetime. I am sure my friend would be very disappointed if I arrive with a watch like this."The salesman said, "but how about a good heavy gold wristwatch? We have a selection of more than 200 pieces of all makes and all of them are of first quality. I am sure we will find one your gentleman friend would like. Look at this fine gold Rolex, for instance. Look at its exceptional dial. Not only does it tell you the time but there is also the day of the week up here in this window and there the date. I am sure the gentleman will be delighted with such a watch. I would imagine he has nevereceived such a nice Christmas present before, if you allow me to say so." Oh dear, he said to himself looking at the lady, she is a helpless case."Well", the lady said, "thank you for showing me these watches. But as I said before, it is for a very special and unique occasion indeed. I think I will have to try some other place." With this she got up ready to leave.Goodness, the salesman thought, never let the fish off the hook. "Please, Madam, won't you stay, I am sure there is something I can interest you in. It so happens that we have a second hand pocket watch in stock that a very good and important client traded in against a wristwatch. It is a very heavy gold one. Our best watchmaker has restored it in full. Allow me to get it for you if I may." The lady had become a bit impatient but she thought, "why not, since I am here."After a few minutes the shop assistant returned carrying a large and heavy gold pocket watch in his hand. When the lady saw it he knew that he had won the game. The lovely smile was back on her face. She looked in seventh heaven. Lovingly she took the watch into her hand. Indeed, the watch was as good as new. "This watch is about 150 years old", said the salesman, "made by the famous watchmaker, Jürgensen. It was a true treasure for its owner even at that time. Just look at the beautiful pink god case and, here, see the movement - it is a pleasure for the eye!""Yes", she said, "this is something exceptional and perfect for the present occasion. I take it! Can you have your watchmaker engrave something inside?" "Oh yes", the salesman answered, "that is no problem. What would you like him to engrave?" A little embarrassed and lost in her thoughts, she replied, "It should be in fine Old English writing. It should read For the man who robbed me of my virginity!"Dead silence. The salesman caught his breath and said; "now I understand, Madam, a very special occasion indeed."