230,000 HKD
Not signed, Swiss, circa 1890. Very fine and rare 18 ct. gold hunting-cased keyless watch with minute-repeating and hidden erotic automaton, made for oriental market. Five body, massive, entirely engraved with jungle foliage, the front with blank initial cartouche, the back with tigers, gold cuvette with engraved specifications and secret lid opening to reveal the automata, richly enamelled with a scene of an Arabian patio with much activity in the best traditions of racial harmony and to the delight of a youthful onlooker. White enamel with Roman numerals, signed Chronometer with subsidiary seconds. Gold " spade" hands. 21-, frosted and gilt bar caliber, 34 jewels with straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance and Breguet balance spring. Repeating on gongs with slide in the band. In very good condition. Diam. 57mm. Notes The quality of enamel work is well above average for this type of watch. Depending upon which cover of the watch is facing upwards, the correct side will open automatically. This watch is published in "Hours of Love", page 61.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1994-06-17
