BLANCPAIN (CLASSIC LADYBIRD / YELLOW GOLD No. 144), circa 1998 Ladies' watch in 18K yellow gold (750 thousandths) with beak handles, gadrooned bezel and sapphire window back (hallmarked, signed and numbered). White enamelled dial with applied Roman numerals and yellow gold leaf hands. Signed winding mechanism. Blancpain crocodile strap (Crocodylia spp. CITES appendix II B) with original 18-carat (750 thousandths) yellow gold pin buckle. Movement: Hand-wound mechanical calibre signed BLANCPAIN / 21 (18 jewels) Swiss. Diameter: 28 mm. Condition: Very good (Original Blancpain case) (Gross weight 19 g)

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.