Posted 7 years ago
rniederman
(347 items)
I occasionally take a break from collecting early wood cameras and look for interesting items to compliment the collection. Period pieces matching the 1800s camera timelines are nice “go withs” that enhance the displays.
While at an antique show earlier in the year, this 19th century pocket watch caught my eye. It’s a rare timepiece because of several noteworthy features: a quarter hour repeater complication, skeletonized face with ornate carvings, and three automata.
The maker is unknown and the movement is housed in an open style gold case. Decoratively carved three-color metalwork appears throughout the watch including the base plate. The smaller centralized dial, with Breguet style hands, is flanked by a classically dressed woman (left) and man (right).
The lady’s automaton arm strikes hours, while the man and woman both chime the quarter hours. So where is the third automaton? It’s hidden beneath a pair of pivoting doors located at the 6 o’clock position. Underneath is ... well ... let’s just say an overly amorous couple.
The rear of the case has an engine-turned (guilloché) barleycorn pattern lid. Inside is a slow beating, verge escapement.
Just another awesome piece for your collection!!!
Michael
"Just Beautiful" !!!!!!!!!
A real beauty !
Wow that's a sweet watch,... Rob...
So beautiful!!!! Love it :-)
Thanks, Michael!
Woahhh! That's a TREASURE! Congrats for having it in your collection :-D
Thanks, lzenglish!
Thanks!
BB2
Moonhill
stunning Rob!!
Thanks!
fortapache
Roycroftbooksfromme1
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mtg75
GeodeJem
TassieDevil
shawnicus
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Caperkid
melaniej
Thanks!
kyratango
Longings
shughs
pw-collector
mcheconi
nutsabotas6
Thanks!
AntigueToys
sugargirl
IVAN49
egreeley1976
Designer
farmlady
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Phil
Ben
MacDaddyRico
leighannrn
chrissylovescats
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sanhardin
snowman3
Hunter
Sean
Here are some of the makers. From an auction at a Zurich auction.
"Only a very few, highly skilled horologists crafted these items, most of which feature finely painted miniatures on enamel and varicolored gold ornaments."
"<p>(L-R) A fine and very unusual silver pocket watch with a concealed painted on enamel erotic scene made circa 1810 by Girardier l'Aine, a fine, hunting-cased, keyless, quarter-repeating, 14K rose gold pocket watch with concealed erotic automaton made circa 1890 by Lugrin, a fine, gilt-metal and painted on enamel pocket watch with erotic scene and calendar "Lit d'Amour" made circa 1820 by Courtin are pictured during an auction preview in Geneva, March 24, 2011. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse</p>
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-swiss-watches-erotic/swiss-auction-tempts-buyers-with-erotic-watches-idUKTRE72O3ZI20110325
Hi Celiene ... thanks for looking and the links. Before purchasing I did a bit of research. Erotic pocket watches are a known niche and quite interesting. The one shown on bogoff.com isn't as nice as mine but the style is nearly the same ... could even be the same maker but I don't know. The challenge is whether the watch is completely original (case and movement are put together at the same time) or if the movement was put into a later case (which is not uncommon). The automaton "coupling" (so to speak) goes into action when running the repeater. The amorous couple on mine is a different position ... think doggies. Here's a YouTube video by a Belgium collector showing chiming arms and couple "action." A very nice watch but not skeletonized. Anyhow, you get the idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2BPtpj8F4Y
Thanks!
Perry
trukn20
Tanni
crswerner
Thanks!
vetraio50
Collectomaniac
ttomtucker
getthatmonkeyoutofme
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lisali1919
Tanni
Celiene
Thanks, antiquerose!
Thanks, Woman34!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, RNIEDERMAN
Thanks, oldpeep!
Thanks!
Chevelleman69
Tanni
Beautiful watch :)
Thanks, Trey!
Your welcome :)
This is the most impressive time piece I have ever seen! Incredibly BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks, Scott! ... appreciate the comment.
Thanks, betweenthelens!
Thanks!
antiquealyssa
Mrstyndall
kyratango
Thanks!
Karl-Fodor
Johnsmith
Collectables59
Thanks, Karenoke!