Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 129

The Forge of Love Unsigned, Geneva, made for the Chinese Market, circa 1810. Very fine and rare 18K gold and ena-mel, split pearl-set automaton watch.

C. Two-body, "Empire", back cover with translucent dark blue enamel over elaborate "sunburst" engine-turning, center with small split pearl rosette, bezels set with split pearls, gilt spring-loaded cuvette hinged to the movement ring. D. Small white enamel with Breguet numerals and outer minute track set at the top of the automaton scene. Blued steel Breguet hands. Automaton scene depicting three multicolored gold cupids making their arrowheads; one forging, one hammering, and the third sharpening, the background, depicting an Alpine landscape with a river, bridge, and mountains in the background, painted on enamel on a gold plate. M. 46 mm. (21???), gilt brass, two separate bridges, one for the going train with fixed barrel, one for the automaton train also with fixed barrel and five-wheel train, cylinder escapement, three-arm plain brass balance with flat balance spring, adjustable eccentrically mounted pinion as governor. Diam. 58 mm.