Anonymous, Swiss (probably Henry Capt), circa 1810. Very rare and fine 18 ct. gold and enamel, double side, quarter-repeating musical watch with theatrical and erotic automatons. | Important Collectors Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, Clock | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 20th October 1991

Important Collectors Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 20, 1991

LOT 426

Anonymous, Swiss (probably Henry Capt), circa 1810. Very rare and fine 18 ct. gold and enamel, double side, quarter-repeating musical watch with theatrical and erotic automatons.

CHF 100,000 - 130,000

Sold: CHF 92,000

C. Three body "Empire", with reeded band. D. Front, white enamel with Breguet nmerals. Gold arrow hands. Back plate enamelled in blue and scarlet with applied vari-coloured gold theatre with three automaton scenes, center stage with a dancing girl, to the right a seated lute player, to the left and hidden behind an enamelled curtain, an erotic scene of a couple, completely preoccupied and totally ignoring the artistic performance of their laboring colleagues. M. Gilt brass full plate, cylinder escapement, plain balance, flat spring. Musical train with pin barrel and stacked blades. Repeating on gongs or "à toc", with push-pendant. In good condition. Diam. 59 mm

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Notes

This is a very unusual model of automaton watch and it is interesting to note that the actions of all the participants are in time with music.The curtain which modestly covers the erotic automaton can be raised and lowered at-will by means of a small boit in the band of the case.