Swiss quarter repeating verge with Jacquemarts Circa 1820

Gold and enamel repeating erotic automaton
–
A fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel open faced quarter repeating verge pocket watch with three-colour gold Jacquemart automaton and concealed erotic automaton scene, circa 1820. Gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock with ruby end-stone, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant, the automata driven by the repeating train by means of a small lever. Concealed in the hinged gilt brass cuvette, a small automaton scene presents an amorous couple on a bed. Annular white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions, outer border with three-colour gold Jacquemart figures appearing to strike bells when the repeating is activated and original black Breguet hands. Case with a reeded band, polished bezel, the back decorated with a finely painted on enamel portrait of a young lady wearing a crucifix of gold paillons, within an oval gold paillon border, outer royal blue guilloché enamel border with gold paillon edge.
–
Diameter: 53 mm
–
Signed: No name
–
The enamel portrait of a young lady depicted wearing a crucifix represents innocence as a contrast to the erotic scene within. The theme of virtue and vice was a popular one in art and the use of it in the present watch is a kind of visual pun.