The van Cauwenbergh Collection
Hong Kong, Hotel Furama, May 29, 1989
LOT 568
Anonymous, Swiss, in the manner of Jaquet Droz & Leschaut, circa 1785.
HKD 400,000 - 500,000
CHF 80,000 - 120,000
Sold: HKD 460,000
Outstanding 18-carat gold and enamel quarter repeating pearl set watch with erotic automatons, made for the Chinese market. Triple body case, bezel and back set with split pearls, extremely fine enamel painted scene on the back depicting 'the rapt of Helena by Pâris' (slightly restored on the edge). The back opens by means of a push piece on the band, revealing an automaton erotic scene with two enamelled personnages applied over a very finely painted boudoir (slightly restored). The action starts automatically when the lid is open and stops as soon it is closed. White enamel dial, with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Blued steel Breguet hands. Double train gilt brass movement on two levels with inset bells, going barrels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three armed balance. Independant movement for the automatons. Repeating by depressing the pendant. In good condition. Diam. 62 mm.
