Swiss gold watch with Jacquemarts automaton Circa 1825

Gold open faced quarter repeater
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A very fine Swiss 18K gold quarter-repeating pocket watch with skeletonized movement and automaton Jacks, circa 1825. Engine-turned back, a reeded band with a bolt to block the repeater. Spring-loaded gilded ring cuvette. White enamel dial, annular with Breguet hour numerals and outer minute divisions, centre disclosing two multicoloured gold putti on a polished blued steel ground, striking the hours and quarters on two bells, lower and centre skeletonized to view the going train.

Blued steel Breguet hands. Brass skeletonized movement with cylindrical pillars, going barrel, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance with flat balance spring, polished steel balance bridge and repeat work on the backplate, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Dial, cuvette and movement signed.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Houriet & Fils Neuchâtel
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Jacques-Frédéric Houriet (1743-1830) After a stay of nine years in Paris for work and study, Houriet settled in Le Locle, where he became an important promoter of horology, working with his son and many other members of his immediate and extended family.