Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 31, 1998

LOT 364

Swiss, circa 1820. Fine and unusual quarter repeating automaton watch with auxiliary automaton scene.

C.Three body, Empire, engine-turned. Hinged gilt brass cuvette. D. White enamel chapter ring with Breguet numerals, the centre with a fine varicoloured automaton scene applied over a polished steel ground: an urn of flowers on a bridge is flanked by two cherubs jacks striking hours and quarters on two bells; also driven by the repeating train, a subsidiary automaton scene below the arch of the bridge features a knife grinder whose grindstone is driven by a large wheel turned by a boy. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass threearm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock. Repeating on gong by depressing the pendant. Diam. 54 mm.