Fine Swiss 18K gold with diamonds set automaton watch Circa 1780

Gold verge with enamel windmill scene
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A fine and rare Swiss, 18 carat gold and painted on enamel with diamonds set automaton watch, circa 1780. Accompanied by a glazed gilt-brass outer case. The back is finely painted with a village scene, foreground with an animated windmill, edge with half pearl enamel simulation, whole under a glazed hinged bezel. White enamel dial, radial Arabic numerals, outer black enamel minute divisions, winding aperture at 2 o’clock and steel beetle and poker hands. Hinged, frosted gilt full plate movement with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance wth flat balance spring, continental cock. Signed on the dial and movement.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Signed: Philippe Terrot  Geneva
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Philippe Terrot (1696, Pont-en-Royans, Dauphiné, France, 1781, Saconnex, near Geneva). A refugee in 1700, he arrived in Geneva and officially obtained Swiss naturalisation in 1732. He took Jean-Pierre Thuillier in partnership between 1735 and 1750. They created high quality gold watches decorated with enamel and porcelain, and also religious clocks. Picture from the collection of Mr Maurice & Edouard Sandoz.