A. Lugrin Quarter-Repeating Erotic Automaton Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This hunting-cased, keyless, 14K rose gold pocket watch is attributed to A. Lugrin and dates to approximately 1890. It features a quarter-repeating function activated by a slide on the case band.
The five-body, bassine et filets case houses a rhodium-plated movement, Caliber 20???, equipped with 19 jewels and a counterpoised straight line lever escapement. The watch includes a cut bimetallic compensation balance, a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and an index regulator. A hinged gold cuvette within the case conceals a polychrome enamel automaton depicting an erotic scene of a gentleman and a lady in an alpine landscape.
The white enamel dial displays radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, and blued steel Breguet-style hands. The watch measures 53.5 mm in diameter. The auction description notes the presence of dents on the case and recommends an overhaul for the movement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1890
- Type
- Quarter-repeating hunting-cased erotic pocket watch
- Maker
- Attributed to A. Lugrin
- Jewels
- 19
- Diameter
- 53.5 mm
- Case Material
- 14K rose gold
- Complications
- Quarter-repeating and erotic automaton
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Caliber
- Cal. 20???
- Case Construction
- Five-body, bassine et filets
- Maker / attribution
- Attributed to A. Lugrin
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The dial is finished in white enamel. It features radial Roman numerals for the primary time indication and a distinct outer minute track. A subsidiary seconds dial is integrated at the bottom of the face. The watch is fitted with blued steel Breguet hands for hour and minute indication.
- Visible features
- • Polished gold case with hunting cover • Concealed polychrome painted enamel erotic automaton • Blued steel Breguet-style hands • Subsidiary seconds dial
- Case and Automaton
- The watch is housed in a solid 14K rose gold case of five-body construction, described as bassine et filets and finished with a polished surface. The hunting-style case features an external cover and a hinged gold cuvette inside. This internal cuvette protects a polychrome painted enamel scene. The automaton depicts a Swiss gentleman and a lady situated on a grassy alpine landscape.
- Movement and Repeating Mechanism
- The rhodium-plated movement, designated as Caliber 20???, contains 19 jewels. Technical features include a counterpoised straight line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The quarter-repeating mechanism is operated via a slide positioned on the case band, which activates the repeating function on the gongs. An index regulator is provided for timing adjustments.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Attribution to A. Lugrin is not definitively established
- Research required: Movement caliber is only partially identified as 20???