The Longitude at the Eve of the Third...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 23, 1999

LOT 303

Swiss, circa 1800.Magnificent and rare 18K gold and enamel pearl-set quarter repeating watch with concealed enamelled erotic automaton scene.

C. Three-body, Directoire with split-pearl set bezels, the back enamel panel painted with a scene depicting the Rapt of Helen by Paris (damaged). The spring loaded back discloses a very fine painted automaton scene depicting a monk imposing a penance to a sinner. The action is set in motion when the back is opened and stops as soon as it is closed. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Gold hands. M. Inverted gilt brass full plate, two wheel trains set one above the oher, the going train with going barrel, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring. Repeating by depressing the pendant on two bells sunk in the automaton train, driving the automata by means of cams and levers.Diam. 62 mm