60,000 HKD
Concealed Erotic Automaton Breguet & Fils, Swiss, case No. 10366. Made circa 1820. Fine and very rare, quarter-repeating, 18K gold pocket watch with concealed erotic automaton. Three-body, “Empire”, sunray engine-turned back with small engraved monogram in an oval cartouche, reeded band, polished bezel, bolt to lock the repeat at 1 o’clock. Gilt metal cuvette hinged to the movement ring and with central small concealed springloaded cover opening by depressing a pin at the edge to reveal a multicolored engraved gold couple in an amorous position on a couch, animated by the action of the repeating mechanism. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 2 o’clock. Blued steel hands with gold tips. 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. Cuvette signed. Diam. 53 mm.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2009-06-27
