Swiss gold and enamel quarter repeating musical watch Circa 1820
- Kenmerk
- HC1378
- Diameter
- 57 mm
- Estimate
- € 15.000 - 30.000
- Price sold
- -
Gold virgule watch with enamel erotic scene
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A musical pocket watch with repeater made by Courvoisier & Comp in Genève, Switzerland, circa 1820. The open faced case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold, has a coin band and a back lid with a top quality, erotic enamel painting according to Susanna and the Ancients, painted by Willem van Mieris in 1731. The white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track and blued steel moon hands. The exquisite, numbered movement has a virgule escapement, repeats the quarter hours, has self releasing music or plays on demand and is attributed to Piguet & Meylan.
The cuvette is signed.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Weight: 145 g
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Signed: Courvoisier & Compie
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The movement of this watch can be confidently attributed to the firm of Piguet & Meylan. The use of the virgule escapement, gold case and fine enamel scene shows that this watch is of a higher grade. The sound of the music is strong, clear and resonant.
Susanna and the Elder
The story is set in Babylon and tells how Susanna, the wife of a prosperous Jew was secretly desired by two elders of the community and they plotted to seduce her. She was accustomed to going into her garden to bathe. One day the two elders hid and as soon as her maids had gone they sprang out naked on the unsuspecting girl. They threatened her that unless she gave herself to them they would swear she had committed adultery for which the penalty was death. She cried out and the elders carried out their threat. She was only saved by Daniel who cross examined the elders and proved her innocence.
Signed: Courvoisier & Compie




























