Quarter Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch with Concealed Erotic Scene
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1815
This is an 18k yellow gold, quarter-repeating pocket watch manufactured in Switzerland circa 1815. The watch features a manual-wind movement housed in an empire-style case with an engine-turned finish, reeled bands, and polished bezels.
Its dial side displays two automaton jacks, representing Diana and Apollo, which strike bells to mark the time. Additionally, the watch includes a concealed erotic automaton scene of a couple on a bed, which is activated by a push-piece located at the six o'clock position and driven by the repeating train. The movement is half-skeletonized, utilizing a gilt-brass full plate construction with cylindrical pillars, a fusee with chain, a verge escapement, a three-arm balance, and a flat balance spring.
The repeating mechanism is configured to sound on two gongs, engaged by depressing the pendant. The piece measures 60 mm in diameter.
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 automaton pocket watch
- Diameter
- 60 mm
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Escapement
- Verge
- Provenance
- Property of a Spanish collector
- Case Number
- 14314
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Repeating Mechanism
- Quarter-repeating on two gongs
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is encased in 18k yellow gold, crafted in an empire style. The exterior is characterized by engine-turned surfaces, a reeled band, and polished bezels. The dial assembly is a highly complex arrangement featuring skeletonized elements to expose the underlying mechanics. The face is adorned with automaton figures of Diana and Apollo. These figures are animated to strike bells, providing an audible timekeeping function. A concealed erotic scene, depicting a couple on a bed, is integrated into the lower section of the dial. This scene is revealed by engaging a push-piece located at the six o'clock position.
- Visible features
- • Automaton figures of Diana and Apollo on the dial side • Concealed erotic scene featuring a couple on a bed • Half-skeletonized movement with visible gilt-brass plates • Engine-turned case decoration with reeled banding
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece is powered by a gilt-brass, full-plate movement. It utilizes a traditional fusee and chain system to maintain constant torque and is governed by a verge escapement. The balance is a three-arm plain brass type, paired with a flat balance spring. The repeating mechanism sounds the quarters on two gongs. This function is initiated by depressing the pendant. The movement is partially skeletonized and includes cylindrical pillars for structural support.
- Condition and Attribution
- The object is unsigned, consistent with some Swiss production from the early 19th century. The overall grading provided for the object is AAA (Excellent) for the movement in a general sense, though the specific 'Movement: 3' designation clarifies that mechanical servicing is necessary for long-term reliability. The case and dial are both rated as good.
Identification
- Serial number
- 14314
- 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: Overhaul of the movement is recommended by the auction house
- Research required: The maker of this timepiece remains unsigned