Guillarmod Freres

Guillarmod Freres, (Chaux-de-Fonds), Swiss, circa 1790. "Connais-toi toi meme" Very fine and rare 18K gold and enamel, automaton "Bras-en-fair" watch with matching gold and enamel chatelaine. Double body, Directoire, the bezel with paillonne enamelled decoration, the back enamelled with a fine scene depicting a maiden, painted in the manner of Richter, writing the famous Latin phrase: "Nosce to ipsum" (Know Thyself), white enamel small scene below depicting a fisherman with his wife sitting on the riverside, a water mill and ruins on the background. Champleve enamelled azure borders with leaf decoration. White enamel, applied with the gold figure of an automaton warrior in high relief, pointing hours and minutes with his weapons on two sectors by depressing the pendant; driven by the going train, the head of the warrior turns from right to left, small painted landscape on the foreground with a shepherdess and her sheep. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece. Signed on the back plate. In very good condition. Diam. 59 mm. Notes With its gold and enamel case and the figure on the dial turning its head from right to left, driven by the escapement, this watch is a very fine example of the so called "Bras en Pair" watches, featuring one of the most original ways to display the time. Only few watches of this Read more…