Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Hong Kong, Jun 27, 2009

LOT 198

The Officer & The Lady Concealed Erotic Automaton Swiss, case No. 3113. Made circa 1820. Fine and very rare, quarter-repeating, 18K gold pocket watch with concealed erotic automaton.

C. Three-body, ?Empire?, sunray engine-turned back with small engraved monogram in an oval cartouche, rope-twist band, polished bezel. Gilt metal cuvette hinged to the movement ring and with central small concealed spring-loaded cover opening by depressing a pin at the edge to reveal a multicoloured engraved gold officer and lady in an amorous upright position within an engraved foliate border, animated by the action of the repeating mechanism. D. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 2 o?clock. Gold skeleton hands. M. 45 mm, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock, silver regulation dial, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Diam. 57 mm.