German gold repoussé cylinder watch with automaton Circa 1765

Gold watch with early Adam & Eve automaton
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A probably unique and one of the earliest Adam & Eve automaton pocket watches, presumably made in Friedberg, Germany, circa 1765. The open faced case of this watch, which was crafted from 18 carat gold, is decorated with exceptional quality repoussé work depicting putti, persons, angel heads and animals, has a central glazed aperture on the back that reveals a chased and engraved automaton scene of Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden with a circulating snake and features an unusually high silver dust cover. The white enamel dial has Roman hours, an outer minute track, outermost Arabic five minute numerals, an unusual cut out for regulation at 8 o’clock and the, probably original, gold hands. The movement has an early cylinder escapement.
The dial is signed.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Weight: 99 g
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Signed: London
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The present watch is signed “London” only, which is typical for pieces from Friedberg of the period. This timepiece is one of the earliest Adam & Eve automata known. These early automata are extremely rare and highly sought after for another example with such a magnificent case is difficult to find.