Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 11, 2012

LOT 286

L?EPEE, THE EROTIC CARRIAGE CLOCK L?Epée, Paris. 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 erotic automaton. Accompanied by a fitted box and key.

C. Gold-plated, "gorge", polished, the back door set with 2 Limoges painted on enamel panels of a soldier and his lady by J.P. Boucharel, 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 ve-minute 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, self-compensating fl at balance spring, index regulator. Dial and movement signed, case numbered, enamels signed J.P. Boucharel. Dim. 13.3 x 9 x 7.8 cm. excluding handle.