Swiss gold repeating verge with 4 automata actions Circa 1810

Gold quarter repeating automaton by François L’Hardy
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A very fine, extremely rare, and unusual Swiss 18-carat gold open-faced quarter repeating verge pocket watch with four automata actions, circa 1810. Gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three armed balance, flat balance spring, gilt-brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece, repeating on two gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Gilt brass cuvette hinged to the movement ring. Annular white enamel chapter ring with Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, and original blued steel serpentine hands, glazed three-color gold chased automaton scene applied on a blued steel ground and driven by the repeating train: an Oriental gentleman 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. Engine-turned case back, reeded band. Dial and cuvette signed.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Françs L’Hardy Geneva
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This piece is very unusual amongst striking Jacquemarts watches. This type of watch is so rare that Alfred Chapuis and Edmond Droz found only a movement to illustrate it in their book ‘Les Automates’.
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François L’Hardy (also Lhardy or Lardy). A watchmaker recorded at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century, he made automaton watches, repeating watches, and skeleton watches.