François Le Hardy Quarter-Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1820
This 18-karat gold quarter-repeating pocket watch by François Le Hardy, originating from Switzerland around 1820, features an automaton mechanism. The timepiece is housed in a three-body Empire-style case with an engine-turned finish and a reeded band.
The white enamel dial is marked with Breguet numerals and is accompanied by blued steel spade hands with gold tips. Surrounding the center dial is an engine-turned silver dial plate, which serves as a backdrop for two applied gilt silver Jacks of the 'Martin-Martine' type. These figures strike hours and quarters on two bells positioned above the dial. The watch is powered by a gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars, a fusee with chain, and a verge escapement.
It utilizes a plain gilt brass three-arm balance with a flat balance spring. The repeating mechanism is activated by depressing the pendant.
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
- Dial
- White enamel with Breguet numerals
- Type
- Quarter-repeating automaton pocket watch
- Maker
- François Le Hardy
- Movement
- Gilt brass full plate
- Case Style
- Three body Empire
- Dimensions
- 55 mm
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Case Material
- 18 ct. gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- François Le Hardy
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is enclosed within a three-body Empire-style case constructed of 18-karat gold. The exterior surfaces of the case feature engine-turned decoration, complemented by a reeded band detail. The internal components include a gilt brass cuvette upon which the maker's signature appears. The dial assembly is complex, featuring a central white enamel dial marked with Breguet-style numerals. This central dial is framed by an engine-turned silver dial plate. Positioned on either side of the center are applied gilt silver Jacks in the 'Martin-Martine' configuration, designed to strike the hours and quarters on two bells located at the top of the dial plate.
- Visible features
- • Applied gilt silver Jacks on the dial plate • White enamel dial with Breguet numerals • Engine-turned finish on the silver dial plate • Reeded band on the watch case
- Movement and Mechanism
- The timepiece is powered by a gilt brass full plate movement featuring cylindrical pillars. Power is delivered through a fusee with a chain, which regulates the energy to a verge escapement. The balance system comprises a plain gilt brass three-arm balance paired with a flat balance spring. A gilt brass continental cock and a polished steel end-piece complete the movement architecture. The watch includes a quarter-repeating function which operates on gongs. The user triggers this complication by depressing the watch pendant.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description attributes the manufacture of this watch to François Le Hardy and assigns a Swiss origin, dated to approximately 1820. Observations regarding the dial note that the white enamel surface shows signs of previous restoration. The watch, including the case, dial, and movement, measures 55 mm in diameter.
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: The white enamel dial is reported as slightly restored
- Research required: The specific functional status of the automaton mechanism is not detailed