63,250 CHF
Ilbery, London No. 5892, Swiss, made for the q 422 Chinese market circa 1810. Extremely rare and fine 18 ct. gold and enamel center-second watch with concealed automatons. Three body "Directoire", with blue and black champlevé enamelled bezels, the back panel with an elaborate plume pattern in gold and coloured paillons on a blue translucent ground (small repair to the edge). White enamel with Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute and seconds ring. Gold "half-moon" hands. Concealed automatons in the back, the plate enamelled with a landscape in the manner of Troll with applied vari-coloured gold scene of a working fountain, and a lady pumping water and a falconer with his horse drinking. Gilt bras, Lepine caliber, with free standing barrel, cylinder escapement, plain balance, flat spring. Flush mounted cuvette. Signed on the cuvette. In very good condition. Diam. 57 mm. Notes This watch can be considered as a rarity on two courts, in the first instance, automaton watches signed by Ilbery are most unusual and in this particular case the automaton is not only concealed within the case, but is also powered by a separate and extra flat wheel train, mounted within a hinged "cuvette".
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1991-10-20
