The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 131

Troquon-MinonEtienne Boisson, Geneva, enamel probably from the workshop of Mussard V, circa 1710.Fine and interesting silver and enamel pair-cased watch with concealed erotic scene.

C. Outer: two-body, 'bassine', leather-covered decorated with silver studs. Inner: two-body, 'bassine', polished. When the case is opened, and the movement swung out, the back plate of the movement can be seen to have an amusing erotic scene, with a young woman holding a mouse by the tail in her left hand, and offering to swap it with an object she greatly desires, held by her pussycat. The words 'troquon-minon', written above her, from the archaic French, can be loosely translated as 'exchanges no robbery'. D. Silver, eccentric chapter ring set at the top with champlevé Roman chapters, outer minute ring with five-minute Arabic numerals, the chapter ring framed by foliage in relief, the centre decorated in a similar manner, subsidiary dial at 7 o'clock for regulating, semicircular slot below 6 o'clock for mock pendulum. Blued-steel 'beetle and poker' hands. M. 40.4 mm o, gilt brass full plate with Egyptian pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass balance with mock penduum, double-footed cock.Signed on the dial.Diam. 55 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 124-125.