Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 309

Thief Goat and Amorous CoupleUnsigned, Swiss, circa 1810.Very fine and rare 18K gold, quarter-repeating, automaton watch with concealed erotic scene and animated Jacks.

C. Four-body, "Empire", massive, the back engine-turned in a sunburst pattern, small oval polished cartouche in the lower part, engine-turned bezels and band, gilt spring-loaded hinged cuvette, bolt at 2 o'clock to choose the goat or the erotic au-tomaton, bolt at 10 o'clock to block the repetition. D. Small ring set in the center with Arabic numerals and outer minute track, cut center. Blued steel "lozenge" hands. Below set a blued steel plate with an applied gold and silver automaton of a goatstealing grapes from a vine. When the bolt at 2 o'clock is moved upwards, another automaton scene appears with a sofa and a young man stealing something very different from his lady friend. On each side silver and gold Jacks strike bells during repeating.M. 50 mm. (22'''), frosted gilt full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock, repeating on gongs by depressing the pendant.Diam. 58 mm.