Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 118

Cherub Carousel. Chevalier et Cochet, Geneva, No. 6540, circa 1800, made for the Spanish market. Very fine and rare 18K gold and enamel double-face automaton watch.

CHF 18,000 - 25,000

EUR 11,700 - 16,000

Sold: CHF 39,100

C. Two-body, “Directoire”, glazed on both sides, polished. D. White enamel, eccentric chapter with Arabic numerals and outer minute divisions set in the lower part, the top with regulator, winding aperture at 4 o'clock. Automaton: Set on the back, within an aperture of very fine gold plate decorated in champlevé with flower vases, gold trees, courting doves, and Cupid's attributes on a translucent imperial blue and azure enamel ground, a charming cavalcade of gold cherubs appearing in the aperture, one riding in a chariot, another on a goat, two walking with a ribbon, the whole against a painted on ivory landscape. M. 47.4 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement heavy brass balance with flat balance spring, double-footed solid cock.Signed on the dial, numbered on the movement.Diam. 57 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 19 - 01

Notes

A very nice watch with a charming merry-go-round automaton and excellent enamel, the pendant punched with later French import marks. Chevalier (also Chevallier) & Cochet. Watch and clockmakers from the late 18th and early 19th century, who made very fine watches for the French and Spanish markets, specializing in repeating watches and automaton watches with gold cases, decorated with enamel, pearls and precious and semi-precious stones “Dictionnaire des Horlogers Genevois” by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Antiquorum Editions, Geneva.