Austrian gold and enamel skull form verge watch Circa 1800

Gold, enamel Memento Mori skull watch by J.C Züntl
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An absolutely rare gold/enamel Austrian skull watch, Memento Mori, set with diamonds, circa 1800. This watch is a unique piece made of gold and enamel. Its upper half has a spring lid mechanism, similar to scarab form watches, while the underside has a viewing window for the movement. The watch features teeth and eyes set with diamonds a movable lower jaw, and when the upper half is opened on both sides, the signed verge movement is visible. The enamel dial displays Roman radial hours, an outer minutes track, and gold Breguet hands. The movement requires restoration, but the two hinged segments have been colour-restored while the remaining enamel/skull is original.
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Dimensions: 40 x 30 mm
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Signed: J.C Züntl in Linz
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Johann Christian Züntl, who lived in Linz, was listed as a watchmaker from 1744 until he passed away in 1822. The skull-shaped watch is considered one of the rarest forms of watches ever made. As far as we know, only a few form watches made of gold and enamel exist, making them an absolute rarity!