Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Noga Hilton, Oct 16, 2005

LOT 44

?Indiscretion? Attributed to Chevalier & Cochet, Genève. Made circa 1790. Very fine and rare 18K gold watch with quarter repeating on a bell incorporated within the movement and a concealed painted erotic automaton scene with independent movement.

CHF 38,000 - 48,000

EUR 25,000 - 30,000 / USD 30,000 - 40,000

C. Three-body, ?Directoire?, polished, a secret push-piece beneath the bezel opening the back to reveal the painted automaton scene showing a couple in a fine interior being watched at the window by a peeping Tom. D. White enamel with Breguet numerals and outer minute ring, Arabic quarter hour numerals. Polished ?spade? hands with blued steel tips. M. 44.5 mm., gilt brass, inverted, quarter plate with cylindrical pillars, going barrel, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, blued steel flat balance spring, repeating on a bell activated by depressing the pendant. Automaton movement concealed in the back and with going barrel driving the automata by means of cams and levers. Diam. 59 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized
Movement: 3-6*

Good

Slightly oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Automaton scenes in watches driven by an independent concealed movement are very rare, and even more so when, as in the present watch, they are made so thin and fitted in such a way that it is hard to guess anything is concealed in the back of the case. Most of the few known existing watches fitted with similar movements carry the signature of the Geneva watchmakers Chevalier & Cochet. Another watch with a similar movement and signed by Moricand, Geneva has recently come to light suggesting that either of these two fine makers could have devised them.