Swiss gold-plated musical automaton pocket watch Circa 1980

Gold-plated musical automaton by Reuge
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A rare Swiss gold-plated open faced musical centre seconds lever pocket watch, circa 1980.With two automatons: a multicoloured gilt three-figure automaton The Gondoliers on the front and a four-colour gold hidden erotic scene Romance against a starry sky. Comes with the original box and key.
The engraved case back depicts musical instruments and flowers. An eccentric white enamel dial for the time indication, black Arabic hours, an outer minute track, centre seconds and gilt Breguet hands.
A mechanical movement with crown winding, musical movement with key winding running on request or at the set alarm time.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Weight: 133 g
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Signed: Reuge Swiss made
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The origins of Reuge date back to 1865 when Charles Reuge set up a musical pocket watch shop in the Swiss Mountain town of Sainte-Croix. By 1886 his son, Albert Reuge opened a music box workshop, the company experienced success and their mechanisms were to be found in a range of products such as powder compacts and cigarette lighters. By 1930 Guido Reuge had built the Reuge factory and he guided the company for over 60 years. Today Reuge retains its historical elements still producing singing birds but moving with the times, their music boxes today come in traditional but also modern and innovative designs.