Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 10, 2013

LOT 313

PUNCHINELLO AND TWO CHERUBS Berthoud à Paris (Swiss). Made circa 1810. Rare and unusual, 18K gold quarter-repeating watch with multicolored gold striking Jacks and an automaton scene of Punchinello appearing to strike the hour bell, with a total of four automaton actions.

CHF 10,000 - 15,000

HKD 83,000 - 125,000 / USD 10,500 - 16,000

Sold: CHF 15,000

Three-body, "Empire", polished with reeded bezels and band. Hinged gilt brass Cuvette fixed to the movement ring. White enamel annular chapter ring with Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, glazed multicolored gold chased automaton scene applied on a blued steel plate and driven by the repeating train: Punchinello appears on a balcony supported by two columns to strike the hours on a bell, as soon as he has disappeared, two cherubs below strike the quarters. 41 mm., gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance-spring, gilt brass continental clock with polished steel jeweled end-piece, repeating on two gongs activated by depressing the pendant.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-19

Good

Dent(s)
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 4-25-71-04

Fair

Chipped

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines

HANDS Later

Notes

Dial and cuvette signed. DIAM. 55 mm. In this uncommon automaton scene the figure of Punchinello enters the aperture at the top from the left when the pendant is depressed, after he has struck the hours he disappears and the cherubs below then strike the quarters. Three other watches with this configuration have been sold by Antiquorum: Geneva, June 14th, 2003, lot 183; Geneva, November 13th, 2011, lot 198; Hong Kong, February 26th, 2012, lot 157.