Quarter repeating pocket watch with automaton
Quarter repeating pocket watch with automaton
France, Paris
Circa 1810
Gold, metal, glass, enamel; engraving, painted (pictorial) enamel, mechanical works, gilding
On the inner side of the inner (dust) cover: "PG 3570/K 18". Engraving on the dust cover external side and on the plate: "Breguet a Paris". French gold marks on the pendant ring 'PG 3570/K 18'
The pocket watch, with verge escapement, quarter repeater and automaton, housed in a round openwork gold case. The case rim is decorated with transverse fluting. The dial face, protected by a spherical glass cover with a polished bezel, features an automaton and white enamel annular dial with black Arabic numerals, minute markers, and slender gold Breguet-style hands. The automaton features two jaquemarts – male and female figures in classical attire holding hammers are standing on either side of the dial and striking silver bells suspended among golden leaves and branches. The figures, along with the surrounding flowers, foliage, and birds, are crafted from multi-colored gold. The quarter repeater strikes on two spiral gongs. The automaton and repeater are activated by pressing the pendant stem. The hinged rear cover opens to reveal a gilt dust cover (cuvette) with a winding hole. An engraved arched arrow near the aperture indicates the direction of the winding key. Beneath the cover lies the movement plate, featuring an engraved openwork circular bridge for the three-arm balance wheel, and a white metal disc with a scale and a regulator index. The exterior of the back cover is smoothly polished.
4420MCA234/ДПИ