Gilt-Metal and Enamel Erotic Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This Swiss pocket watch, dating to circa 1780, features a gilt-metal case with an integrated, concealed erotic scene. The three-body, bassine-style case is polished and includes a back cover that opens to reveal a hand-painted enamel depiction of a seated monk and a woman in a compromising position.
The watch is powered by a matte gilt, full-plate movement measuring 42 mm. The movement includes a fusee and chain mechanism, pentagonal baluster pillars, and a verge escapement equipped with a micrometric potence adjustment. Time is displayed on a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions, and a winding aperture located at the 2 o'clock position. The watch utilizes gilt Louis-style hands. The case is marked with the punch "Leton".
The auction description reports that the enamel decoration has been slightly restored and that the movement currently requires repair.
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 1780
- Type
- Erotic pocket watch
- Escapement
- Verge
- Case marking
- Leton
- Maker Origin
- Swiss
- Case material
- Gilt-metal
- Dial features
- Arabic numerals and winding aperture at 2
- Movement type
- Fusee and chain
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Condition report
- Repair required
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a three-body, bassine-style gilt-metal case that is polished. The primary feature of the exterior is the concealed erotic scene, which is rendered in painted enamel. This scene is revealed by opening the back cover of the watch. The erotic subject matter depicts a seated monk and a woman. The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals and outer minute divisions to indicate time. A winding aperture is positioned at the 2 o'clock marker. The time is read using gilt Louis-style hands. The auction description notes that the enamel features are slightly restored and that there are hairlines present on the dial.
- Visible features
- • Concealed hand-painted erotic scene on the interior of the back cover • White enamel dial with a visible winding aperture • Gilt Louis hands • Matte gilt full-plate movement with pentagonal baluster pillars
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a 42 mm matte gilt, full-plate movement. The power delivery system relies on a fusee and chain mechanism. The construction includes pentagonal baluster pillars. The watch utilizes a verge escapement, which is refined by a micrometric potence adjustment. The balance assembly consists of a three-arm brass balance and a flat balance spring. The movement is finished with a continental balance cock featuring a polished steel endplate and includes a silvered regulation dial. The auction description reports that the movement requires repair.
- Signatures and Condition
- The case is marked with the punch "Leton", identifying the metal type used in the construction. The watch is catalogued as Lot 169. The auction house provides a grading assessment, identifying the case as having fair condition with a grade of A. The dial is also described as fair. The report indicates that the soft enamel has undergone slight restoration and the movement is currently non-functional, requiring professional attention.
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: Extent of restoration to the soft enamel is not detailed
- Research required: Functional state of the movement is described as requiring repair