L'Escarpolette Quarter Repeating Watch with Automata
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1800
This 18K yellow gold quarter repeating pocket watch, attributed to Louis Duchêne & Fils, dates to approximately 1800. It measures 59 mm in diameter and features a hinged gilt brass full-plate movement with cylindrical pillars, a fusee with chain, and a verge escapement.
The watch includes a plain brass three-arm balance with a flat balance spring and a gilt brass continental cock equipped with a polished steel end-piece. The black enamelled dial plate displays diamond-inlaid foliage and a multi-coloured chased automaton scene showing a girl on a swing pushed by a boy near a fountain. Two Cupids positioned above the scene strike the hours and quarters on bells. A small eccentric white enamel dial features Breguet numerals and gold spade hands.
The auction description reports the watch is in good condition, with the movement requiring an overhaul and the dial showing slight restoration.
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
- Type
- Quarter repeating pocket watch
- Maker
- Attributable to Louis Duchêne & Fils
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Dial features
- Black enamel with diamond inlay
- Movement type
- Hinged gilt brass full plate
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Louis Duchêne & Fils
- Automata description
- Five automata including two Cupids and a girl on a swing
Design
- Visible features
- • Five mechanical automata integrated into the scene • Water effect simulated by a twisted glass rod • Breguet-style numerals on the eccentric enamel dial • Pendant-activated repeating mechanism
- Dial and Automata
- The watch face is dominated by a black enamelled dial plate decorated with diamond-inlaid foliage. Set within this scene is a multi-coloured chased automaton assembly depicting a young girl on a swing, pushed by a young boy, positioned in front of a fountain. The water flow is represented by a twisted glass rod. Two Cupids are positioned above the primary scene; these figures function as strikers for the repeating mechanism, hitting bells to mark the hours and quarters. A separate, small eccentric white enamel dial provides the time via Breguet numerals and gold spade-shaped hands.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement is a hinged gilt brass full-plate caliber measuring 19'''. It utilizes a fusee with chain drive and a verge escapement. The balance is a plain brass three-armed variety, controlled by a flat balance spring. A gilt brass continental cock is fitted with a polished steel end-piece. The watch includes a quarter-repeating function, which is triggered by depressing the pendant to strike on an internal bell.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports the watch in good condition, although the movement is noted as requiring an overhaul. The dial has undergone slight restoration, and the case exhibits minor surface scratching. The timepiece is attributed to the maker Louis Duchêne & Fils of Switzerland, dating to circa 1800. A similar example by the same maker was documented in a Christie's sale in 2011.
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: Maker attribution is indicated as 'Attributable to'
- Research required: Movement condition requires professional attention according to the source
- Research required: Historical documentation provided for a similar, not identical, piece