Live Auction 2835Important Watches
SWISS VERY FINE AND RARE, 18K PINK GOLD AND ENAMEL FIVE AUTOMATON OPENFACE CYLINDER POCKET WATCH, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
Lot 3660

SWISS VERY FINE AND RARE, 18K PINK GOLD AND ENAMEL FIVE AUTOMATON OPENFACE CYLINDER POCKET WATCH, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET

CIRCA 1810

Closed2 December 2010

Price Realised

HKD 920,000

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SWISS

VERY FINE AND RARE, 18K PINK GOLD AND ENAMEL FIVE AUTOMATON OPENFACE CYLINDER POCKET WATCH, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
CIRCA 1810
Finely-engraved and chased movement with cylinder escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, brass engraved cuvette, the finely painted enamel dial depicting buildings within a rural landscape, the three-coloured gold sculptured automaton scene featuring three cherubs making and sharpening their arrows, sometimes referred to as the "Forge of Love", the figure on the left moving his arm and leg, the central figure moving his arm and the figure on the right also moving his arm activating the bellows to the roaring furnace, small white enamel time dial with Breguet numerals, gold spade hands, champleve garlands of flowers either side of the dial, the automaton scene activated by a small lever in the band, in plain gold case stamped R&C
Diameter: 50 mm.

Specialist note

US$42,000-62,000

The first automatons appeared in Geneva in the late 18th century, small technical marvels imitating the movements of living creatures, ranging from simpler "Bras en l'air" figures whose arms would indicate the time to incredibly complex works such as this forge of love scene where three adorable cherubims are making and sharpening their arrows of love - the figure on the left moving his arm and leg at the treadle wheel grinder, the central figure is hammering and the figure on the right activating the bellows to the roaring furnace. This marvellous 5 automaton pocket watch was made specifically for the Chinese market in the nineteenth century.