Swiss musical watch with automaton and center seconds Circa 1880

Gold unsigned hunting cased keyless lever watch
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A large Swiss gold hunting cased keyless lever musical pocket watch with automaton and center seconds, circa 1880. This watch features a movement with frosted gilded two-train tandem winding, a lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance and plays music on a pinned cylinder via a steel comb. The plate above the comb is engraved with Gasparone Roten aus dem Süden and the backplate features an engraved bee motif.

It also has a white enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, outer minute divisions, an outermost fifth of a second track with Arabic five minute/second numerals and a central polychrome enamel painted harbour scene with an automaton musician playing the violin.

The case is adorned with an engraved coat of arms of the Russian Empire, it includes a gilt metal cuvette and an inner back bezel with control marks.
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Signed: No name
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The movement functioned briefly, but now requires servicing and an overhaul. The music is playing, but it sounds tinny and out of tune, indicating a need for adjustments. There are scratches on the backplate and the dial has a minor chip near 3 o’clock. The automaton musician’s arm is plain blued steel without decoration. The case exhibits light scuffs and scratches.