Barbezat 8-Day Quarter Hour Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1910
This open-face pocket watch, dated circa 1910 and attributed by the source to Barbezat, measures 58 mm in diameter. It is housed in a gold-filled case featuring a distinctive sculptural bow formed by two caryatid figures flanking the winding crown.
The blue faux lapis lazuli dial displays an off-center white porcelain chapter ring with Arabic numerals and blued hands. Surrounding the dial are gilt relief automaton figures depicting two classical figures holding hammers poised to strike bells beside a central lyre, with a floral basket below. The seller reports a 15-jewel lever escapement movement with a bimetallic balance, offering an 8-day power reserve and quarter-hour repeating on two gongs.
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
- Case
- Gold-filled open-face case with sculptural caryatid bow
- Date
- Circa 1910
- Type
- Automaton repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Barbezat
- Origin
- Swiss
- Diameter
- 58 mm
- Movement
- 15-jewel lever escapement movement with bimetallic balance, adjusted to four positions
- Complications
- Quarter-hour repeater on two gongs with striking automaton figures
- Power Reserve
- 8-day
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Barbezat
Design
- Visible features
- • Blue faux lapis lazuli dial plate with speckled gold-like flecks • Applied gilt automaton figures holding hammers, flanking bells and a lyre, with a floral basket below • Off-center white chapter ring with black italicized Arabic numerals and blued steel hands • Open-face metal case with a decorative bow composed of two mirrored caryatids
- Movement and Mechanism
- The watch is reported to contain a 15-jewel lever escapement movement with a bimetallic balance, adjusted to four positions. The movement is stated to provide an 8-day power reserve. The watch features a quarter-hour repeating mechanism that activates two gongs during the automaton performance. Internal movement details are not visible in the source photography.
- Dial and Automaton Tableau
- The dial features a faux lapis lazuli surface described as having gold-colored flecks. It contains an off-center white porcelain chapter ring with Arabic numerals. The dial includes an automaton assembly consisting of gilt figures holding hammers poised over bells, a central lyre, and a floral basket situated at the lower portion of the dial.
- Case and Exterior Construction
- The timepiece is housed in an open-face, gold-filled case with a diameter of 58 mm. A sculptural bow, depicting two caryatid figures supporting the winding crown, is integrated into the case design. The case is described by the source as having undergone restoration.
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: Movement is not visible in the supplied photograph; internal specifications and escapement details rely entirely on source reporting
- Research required: Case back, hallmarks, and internal signatures are not depicted