French verge automaton watch for the Chinese market Circa 1800

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Kenmerk
AS1899
Diameter
58 mm
Estimate
€ 17.500 - 35.000
Price sold
€ 20.650

Gold and enamel watch by Chevalier & Cochet 
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A French gold and enamel automaton open faced pocket watch, The Knife Grinders, circa 1800. Made for the Chinese market. This watch features a gilded full plate movement, verge escapement, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, and an automaton driven by a separate spring barrel and train. It has a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, an outer minute ring, and is signed by Chevalier et Cochet. On the reverse, there is an automaton scene depicting vari-colour gold figures of a knife grinder at his stone, his apprentice turning a large wheel, a glass rod simulating water, and a small windmill with rotating sails in the distance. The watch comes in a plain gold case with glazed covers and includes a chain and key.
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Signed: Chevalier et Cochet
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The timepiece is in running condition, but the automaton is not functional. This is due to a missing screw that is meant to hold the movement in place, causing the movement to be loose within the case. The dial has light scratches and chips around the winding holes, but the enamel of the automaton dial is in good condition. There is slight tarnishing to the vari-colour gold. Additionally, the case has scuffs throughout.
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Chevalier & Cochet, a French watchmaking company, was active in Paris from around 1790 to around 1815. The company produced very fine watches for the French and Spanish markets, and its headquarters were most likely in Geneva.

Signed: Chevalier et Cochet

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