The Private Collection of Theodor Beyer

Hotel Baur Au Lac, Zurich, Nov 16, 2003

LOT 51

The Spinning Wheel. Francois L'hardy, Geneva, circa 1820. Very fine, 18K gold automaton watch with quarter-repeater and striking Jacks.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

EUR 9,000 - 13,000 / USD 11,000 - 15,000

Sold: CHF 12,650

C. Four-body, "Empire", back cover (later), band and bezel engine-turned, bolt on the band at 2 o'clock to block the repeating, spring-loaded, gilt brass cuvette. D. White enamel ring with Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, center with automaton depicting a lady working at a spinning wheel in front of open curtains, while above two Cupids strike bells when repeating, all on a blued steel plate. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 50 mm (22'''), gilt brass full plate, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, blued steel flat balance spring, continental cock, the automaton driven from the repeating train, repeating on gongs by depressing the pendant.Signed on the cuvette.Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-24-01

Good

Slightly chipped

HANDS Original

Notes

Charming automata watches with theatrical decoration were made for a few short years around 1820. For another with identical decoration, see Antiquorum, Hong Kong, June 9, 2001, lot 484. François L'hardy (also Lhardy or Lardy). A watchmaker recorded at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century, he made automaton watches, repeating watches, and skeleton watches."Dictionnaire des horlogers genevois, by Osvaldo Patrizzi, Antiquorum Editions, 1998.