Rare Swiss gold repeater with six automaton jacks Circa 1810

Yellow gold quarter repeating verge
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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, gilt brass spring-loaded cuvette fitted to the movement ring. Annular white enamel dial with Breguet numerals, outer minute track, centre with applied multicoloured gold cherubs appearing to strike bells during repeating, gold brick arch below and within an automaton scene depicting a knifegrinder sharpening a knife on a grinding wheel while a boy drives the wheel via a large pulley, blued steel background. Blued steel serpentine hands.
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A frosted gilt, full plate movement 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. Cuvette and movement signed.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Signed: Esquivillon & Deschoudens  Genève
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It is very rare to find an automaton watch with as many as six separate actions. Very few are known with four, fi ve and eight steps, placing the present watch amongst those with the highest number of automaton actions.
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.