13,750 CHF
The Officer & The Lady Concealed Erotic Automaton Swiss, case No. 4992. Made circa 1820. Fine and very rare, quarter-repeating, 18K gold pocket watch with concealed erotic automaton. Three-body, “Empire”, engine-turned back with small cartouche, reeded band, polished bezel. Gilt metal cuvette hinged to the movement ring and with central small concealed spring-loaded cover opening by depressing a pin at the edge to reveal a multicolored engraved gold officer and lady in an amorous upright position, animated by the action of the repeating mechanism. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute track, winding aperture at 2 o’clock. Gold skeleton spear hands. 45 mm, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock, silver regulation dial, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Diam. 54 mm Property of an Swiss collector Notes An almost identical watch was sold by Antiquorum, Hong Kong, June 27, 2009, lot 198.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2011-03-27
