Automaton pocket watch with three-hammer carillon repeating
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1820
This Swiss pocket watch, identified by case number 4804, dates to approximately 1820. It features an 18K gold three-body Empire case with a polished bezel, a rope-twist band, and a back adorned with an engraved classical design set within an engine-turned border.
The watch incorporates a carillon quarter-repeating mechanism that strikes three blued steel gongs using three hammers, activated via the pendant. The dial comprises a central annular white enamel chapter-ring displaying Breguet numerals. This is framed by three vari-colored gold automaton jacks: two standing figures in classical costume and a seated cherub, all arranged against a foliate-engraved gilt dial plate. The movement is a gilt brass full-plate caliber featuring a fusée and chain drive, a verge escapement, a plain three-arm balance, and an engraved continental cock fitted with a turquoise end stone.
A hinged, sprung gilt cuvette protects 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 1820
- Type
- Carillon repeating pocket watch with automaton
- Diameter
- 57 mm
- Case number
- 4804
- Case material
- 18K gold
- Dial numerals
- Breguet numerals
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Escapement type
- Verge escapement
- Movement caliber
- Gilt brass full plate
- Repeating mechanism
- Quarter-repeating with three hammers
Design
- Visible features
- • Vari-colored gold automaton jacks in classical costume • Engraved continental balance cock with turquoise end stone • Rope-twist pattern along the case band
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in an 18K gold three-body Empire-style case. The exterior features a polished bezel and a decorative rope-twist band. The back of the case is decorated with an engraved classical design, which is set within a broader engine-turned border. A hinged and sprung gilt cuvette is fitted to the movement ring. The dial is highly decorative, featuring a central annular white enamel chapter ring with Breguet numerals. Surrounding this are three vari-colored gold automaton jacks, depicted in classical costume, positioned alongside a seated cherub. The entire assembly is set against a foliate-engraved gilt dial plate, with blued steel hands indicating the time.
- Movement and Mechanics
- The movement is a gilt brass full-plate construction. It utilizes a fusée and chain mechanism to provide power to the verge escapement. The balance wheel is a plain three-arm gilt type, oscillating beneath an engraved continental balance cock that features a turquoise end stone. The watch includes a repeating function that strikes on three blued steel gongs using three hammers. This mechanism, which operates on a carillon basis, is activated by depressing the pendant. The repeating work, located under the dial, is described as polished.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports a grading of 'AAA Excellent' for the overall piece. The dial is classified as '2-01 Very good'. The watch is attributed to Swiss manufacture and is dated to approximately 1820. The notes provided by the auction house emphasize the scarcity of combining these particular automaton and carillon complications into a single timepiece.
Identification
- Serial number
- 4804
- 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: Condition of the movement is described as '3 Good' with an overhaul recommended
- Research required: The specific maker is not identified in the provided description