Swiss rose gold repeater with six automaton jacks Circa 1810

Gold open faced verge pocket watch
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A very rare, quarter repeating, 18K yellow gold pocket watch, circa 1810.
With multicoloured gold striking Jacks and an automaton scene of a knifegrinder’s workshop with six automaton actions. An engine-turned case, bolt at 11 to lock the repeating. Gilt brass spring-loaded cuvette fitted to the movement ring. Annular white dial enamel with Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, centre with applied multicoloured gold cherubs appearing to strike bells during repeating, gold brick arch below and within an automaton scene depicting a knife-grinder sharpening a knife on a grinding wheel while a boy drives the wheel via a large pulley, blued steel background.
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Blued steel Breguet hands. A frosted gilt movement, full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusée and chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance with flat balance spring, pierced and engraved continental balance cock with polished steel endplate, silver regulation dial, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant, automaton driven via repeating train.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Esquivillon & Deschoudens  Genève
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Esquivillon & Dechoudens were Master watchmakers of the 18th century. Gédéon- François Esquivillon became associated with his brother Joseph and Jaques Dechoudens in 1774. They are known to have signed Es. et Dech.