11,250 CHF
PUNCHINELLO AND TWO CHERUBS Duchene & Fils (Geneva), No. 4562. Made circa 1810. Rare and unusual, 18K gold quarter-repeating watch with multicolored gold striking Jacks and an automaton scene of Punchinello appearing to strike the hour bell, with a total of four automaton actions. Three-body, "Empire", engine-turned. Hinged gilt brass Cuvette fixed to the movement ring. White enamel annular chapter ring with Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, glazed multicolored gold chased automaton scene applied on a blued steel plate and driven by the repeating train: Punchinello appears on a balcony supported by two columns to strike the hours on a bell, as soon as he has disappeared, two cherubs below strike the quarters. 41 mm., gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, fl at balance-spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece, repeating on two gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Cuvette signed. Diam. 59 mm. Notes In this uncommon automaton scene the fi gure of Punchinello enters the aperture at the top from the left when the pendant is depressed, after he has struck the hours he disappears and the cherubs below then strike the quarters
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2011-11-13
