51,750 CHF
The BuildersUnsigned, probably Geneva, circa 1795. Very fine and unusual 18K gold and enamel, diamond-set, double-face watch with visible balance and automaton scene. Double-body, "Directoire", polished with glazed back. Small eccentric white enamel with Breguet numerals. Blued steel "Breguet" hands. Gold dial plate engraved with branches of foliage over a hatched ground, balance aperture above the dial with a rose-cut diamond-set decoration. The varicolored gold automaton scene on the back, applied over a finely painted enamel village landscape, features four automaton figures busily constructing a building: a man on a scaffolding, sculpting a capital,two stone cutters in the foreground cutting a block of stone, a water mill on the right with flowing water and a revolving wheel. Inverted gilt brass full plate with fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass four-arm balance, flat balance-spring, rose-cut diamond-set bridge. Independent train with fixed barrel, driving the automata by means of cams and levers.Diam. 56 mm. Notes Scenes such as this one, with artisans such as wood workers, stone-cutters, builders, and other professions, were commonly featured at the time.This watch is published in the Ruscitti book, as no. 62.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-10-13