Important Watches, Collector's Wrist...

Hong Kong, Jun 08, 2001

LOT 486

The Fountain of LoveUnsigned, probably Geneva, circa 1820.Very fine and rare 18K gold musical automaton watch with quarter-repeater with visible works.

C. Three-body, ?Empire?, back cover centered by engraved musical instruments encircled by ?sunburst? pattern engine turning, reeded bezels, fluted band with a gold bolt at one o'clock to activate the music, spring-loaded, gilded cuvette. D. White enamel ring with Breguet hour chapter and outer minute divisions, center glazed for viewing the automaton, which represents a lady playing the guitar as Cupid conducts, while a fountain of love runs nearby, all on blue enamel ground. Blued steel Breguethands. M. 51.6 mm, gilt brass, fixed barrel, cylinder escapement, three-arm plain brass balance, flat balance spring, ?sur plateau? musical movement with 27 tuned teeth engaging pins on both sides of the disc, the music playing on the hour or on demand, automaton driven by the music train, repeating on gongs by depressing the pendant.Diam. 64 mm.