SWISS
Lot 2149

SWISS

GOLD SKELETONIZED OPENFACE QUARTER REPEATING JAQUEMARTS KEYWOUND POCKET WATCH, SWISS, CIRCA 1820

Closed30 May 2011

Price Realised

HKD 325,000

More Information

How to sell

SWISS
GOLD SKELETONIZED OPENFACE QUARTER REPEATING JAQUEMARTS KEYWOUND POCKET WATCH, SWISS, CIRCA 1820
Full plate gilt-finished movement, engraved and pierced balance cock, plain three arm balance, quarter repeating on three gongs, gilt cuvette, skeletonized dial centred by a small enamel chapter ring with Arabic numerals, skeletonized surround surmounted by a vari-coloured gilt scene depicting two standing and one sitting figures, realistically striking bells in time with the quarter repeating mechanism, gold circular engine-turned case, twisted band, eccentric small oval blank cartouche to the back, repeating through the pendant, cuvette engraved Breguet & Fils, No. 22423
Diameter : 59 mm

Specialist note

US$15,000-25,000

This lot is fitted with so-called "jaquemarts" automaton.
Jaquemarts have a long tradition and figure already in the first edition of the French National Academy's dictionary, which appeared in 1694, with the following definition:
"Figure made of solid or cast iron representing a man in arms, which is usually put up on top of a (clock) tower to strike the hours with a hammer onto the bell of the clock."
Watches decorated with the miniature versions of these clock tower "men in arms" were very popular in the 19th century.