The Private Collection of Theodor Beyer

Hotel Baur Au Lac, Zurich, Nov 16, 2003

LOT 49

The Forge of Love Robert & Courvoisier, (Chaux de Fonds), No. 79905, circa 1800. Very fine and rare 18K gold three-train quarter-repeating virgule escapement watch with independent automaton.

C. Two-body, polished with band pierced and engraved with foliate pattern. D. Small, white enamel with Breguet numerals and outer gold minute divisions set at the bottom of the automaton scene. Blued steel Breguet hands. Automaton scene depicting two multicolored gold Cupids forging their love arrows; one hammering, and the other tending to the fire, the background painted on enamel on a gold plate, depicting an Alpine landscape.M. 49 mm (22'''), hinged, frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, virgule escapement three-arm brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock, adjustable eccentrically mounted pinion as governor, repeating on bell by depressing the pendant, hinged gilt brass dust cap, automaton activated by a slide on the bezel.Signed on the movement, dust cap and maker's initials on the dial.Diam. 56 mm.