Swiss 18k rose gold quarter repeating automaton Circa 1810

Rose gold verge with Jacquemarts attributed to Esquivillon et Deschoudens
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A very fine and very rare Swiss 18 carat rose gold open faced quarter repeating verge pocket watch with multi-coloured gold striking Jacquemarts and automaton scene of a knifegrinder’s workshop with a total of six automaton actions, circa 1810. Frosted gilt full plate movement with cylindrical pillars, fusée and chain, verge escapement, plain brass three armed balance with flat balance spring, pierced and engraved continental balance cock with polished steel endplate, silver regulation dial, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant, automaton driven via repeating train. Gilt brass spring loaded cuvette fitted to the movement ring. Annular white enamel dial with Breguet numerals, outer minute track, centre with applied multi-coloured gold cherubs appearing to strike bells during repeating, gold brick arch below and within an automaton scene depicting a knifegrinder sharpening a knife on a grinding wheel while a boy drives the wheel via a large pulley, blued steel background and original blued steel Breguet hands. Polished case, reeded band.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: No name
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It is very rare to find an automaton watch with as many as six separate actions. A very few are known with four, five and eight actions, placing this piece amongst those with the highest number of automaton actions.
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Esquivillon & Dechoudens
Master watchmakers of the 18th century. Gédéon- François Esquivillon became associated with his brother Joseph and Jaques Dechoudens in 1774. They are known to have signed ?Es. et Dech?.