Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Noga Hilton, Geneva, Jun 14, 2003

LOT 183

Punchinello and Two Cherubs Franç(ois) L'hardy, Geneva, circa 1810. Rare and unusual 18K gold quarter-repeating watch with three automata.

CHF 10,000 - 14,000

EUR 6,700 - 9,000 / USD 7,800 - 11,000

C. Three-body, "Empire", reeded band, engine-turned back. Hinged gilt brass cuvette. D. White enamel chapter ring with Breguet numerals. Blued steel "Breguet" hands. Glazed three-color gold chased automaton scene applied on a blued steel ground and driven by the repeating train: Punchinello appears on a balcony supported by two columns to strike the hours on a bell. As soon as he has disappeared, two Cherubs below strike the quarters.M. Gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance-spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece. Repeating on two gongs by depressing the pendant.Signed on the dial and back plate.Diam. 57 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 13 - 03

Notes

An unusual striking Jacks watch. This type of watch is so rare that Alfred Chapuis and Edmond Droz found only a movement to illustrate it in their book Les Automates, p. 180.