Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Oct 23, 2011

LOT 174

L?EPEE, THE EROTIC CARRIAGE CLOCK NO.32 L?Epée, France, No. 32. Made in a limited edition in the late 20th century. Very fine and rare, gold-plated and Limoges painted on enamel, 8-day going, hour and half-hour striking and hour repeating carriage clock with concealed gold erotic automaton. Accompanied by a fitted box, key and cleaning cloth.

C. Gold-plated, "gorge", polished, the back door set with 2 Limoges painted on enamel panels of a gentleman and his lady by P. Bonnet, Limoges, glazed sides, the top glazed to view the escapement, hinged carrying handle. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions and Arabic fi veminute numerals, aperture for the erotic automaton with a man and woman cavorting in a room with an onlooker appearing and disappearing behind the door, sliding panel to conceal the automation activated in the reverse. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Rectangular, gilt brass, plain pillars, going barrels for the going, striking train and alarm, 11 jewels, straight-line platform lever escapement, monometallic balance, selfcompensating fl at balance spring, index regulator. Dial and movement signed, case numbered, enamels signed P. Bonnet. Dim. 13.3 x 9 x 7.8 cm. excluding handle.