French verge pocket watch with hidden erotic scene Circa 1790

Silver open faced pocket watch by Charles Girardier
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A decorative French verge pocket watch with a concealed painted on enamel erotic scene, circa 1790.
Silver polished case. Decorated, gilt, enamel dial with decentralized time indication, two silver cartouches with an illustration of turkeys, a silver hinged lid on the top, triggered by lateral levers and an enamel plaque with erotic scene underneath. Full plate movement, chain/fusee, brass balance.
An erotic scene this large is not usually displayed on a dial. Here it can be revealed by opening a spring lid.
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Diameter: 61 mm
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Weight: 122 g
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Signed: Girardier L’aine, Paris
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Charles Girardier, Swiss watchmaker
Charles Girardier signed his watches Girardier L’Aine (the elder). He was born in 1757 and was a Geneva resident. From 1810 he worked in Paris. He was a master watchmaker and made automatic and striking clocks. In 1792, he won a prize from the Geneva Société des Arts for one of his watches. Charles Giradier died in 1839.