French pocket watch with simple automaton and date Circa 1800
- Kenmerk
- AS1808
- Diameter
- 56 mm
- Estimate
- € 5.500 - 10.000
- Price sold
- € 4.900
Unsigned gold and enamel simple automaton watch
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A French gold and enamel watch with a simple automaton and date, circa 1800. The watch features an unsigned gilded full plate movement with verge escapement, a decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge, a silver regulation plate, fusee and chain, and cylindrical pillars. The white enamel dial includes an eccentric time dial with Arabic numerals, an inner date ring, blued steel hands, a gold date hand, and an outer minute ring. The dial is surrounded by gilt garlands and flanked by two oval-painted enamel panels depicting a sailing ship and a classical temple. At the top, there is a glazed polychrome enamel painted panel depicting Eve presenting Adam with the apple before the Tree of Life, with an automaton serpent traversing the outer edge of the scene and visible through the glazed rim as the movement runs. The gold polished case has scooped bezels and a back with the maker’s mark, DFM incuse.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Signed: No name
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Movement is not operational, but the balance is free and the escapement can be briefly engaged, most likely due to old oil causing it to seize up. The date advances at midnight and can also be manually adjusted. The serpent moves around its glazed aperture while the watch is briefly running. The dial is generally in good condition, with a scratch extending from the top of the time dial towards the pendant. The case is in repolished condition, with the inside back stamped 18k. Some parts of the seam are exposed as the case back joins its bezel. There are some small indentations on the band and the front bezel, particularly noticeable at 5 o’clock. Additionally, the glass is loose.






















