Swiss gold quarter repeating automaton watch Circa 1795

Gold open faced verge pocket watch 
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A very fine and unusual Swiss 18K gold and enamel quarter repeating verge pocket watch with Jacquemarts and automaton scene The Fisherman, circa 1795. Polished case back and bezels, engraved fluted band. Small, white enamel dial with Breguet hours, outer minute divisions, Arabic quarter-hour numerals and blued steel spade hands.

Gold dial plate decorated with a polychrome enamel painted rural landscape with two applied cherubs above the time indication appearing to strike the hours and quarter hours on two bells, driven by the repeating train by means of cams and levers, another automaton scene in three-coloured gold is applied below, it shows a flowing river, an automated fisherman with a fish on his line and a revolving water wheel. 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 a polished steel end-piece, silver regulation dial, repeating on a bell mounted in the back of the case activated by depressing the pendant. Movement signed.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Signed: François Achard Genève
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This watch was No. 59 in the Ruscitti Collection.
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Jean-François Achard was the son of François Achard a master watchmaker. Originally from the Dauphiné region of France, but he settled in Geneva, Switzerland and was made a habitant in 1773. He was associated with his brother George until 1796 and is recorded as having made gold and enamel watches with automata, as well as watches with quarter repetition on bells.