Description

An early 19^th Century Swiss quarter repeating verge automaton with concealed erotic scene in a gold open face case.  Full plate gilt fusee movement.  Finely pierced and engraved bridge cock, garnet endstone in a polished steel setting, plain three arm gilt balance with blue steel spiral hairspring.  Silver regulator dial with blue steel indicator.  Pendant quarter repeating on two gongs.  Small white enamel chapter ring with Arabic numerals, blue steel hands.  Either side of the dial are finely chased and engraved parcel gilt classical figures fixed above the decorative engraved plate and polished steel repeating work.  As the watch strikes the hours and quarters the arms of the figures move as though striking the bells between them.  Below the chapter ring the small parcel gilt cover can be slid aside to reveal a couple embracing on a couch.  As the watch strikes the man springs into action, continuing until the repeating train stops.  Plain 18 carat gold open face case with reeded bezels and ribbed middle.  Gold push pendant, gold slide in the band to operate the cover, wound through the gilt metal cuvette.