Swiss quarter repeating keyless lever automaton watch Circa 1890

Gold repeating automaton by W. Hoff & Fils
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A Swiss pink gold quarter repeating keyless lever watch with jacquemarts automaton, circa 1890. The watch features a damascened nickel movement with lever escapement, 31 jewels, a bimetallic compensation balance, and polished steel hammers repeating on coiled gongs. The dial includes a silver chapter ring, black Roman numerals, applied vari-colour gold decoration, an outer pearled minute ring, and a centre polychrome enamel painted with applied jacquemarts blacksmith figures striking an anvil in tandem with the repeating work. It also has blued steel moon hands and an engine-turned subsidiary seconds.
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The 18k pink gold case is decoratively engraved on both covers, with the front depicting two battling knights and a vacant cartouche beneath, and the back centred by engraved knight’s armour with military trophies behind, each surrounded by scrolling foliage. The bezels and band are further chased and engraved, and the polished gold cuvette is engraved with movement details and signed Gme Hoff & Fils, Chaux-de-Fonds, with the back and cuvette numbered 44272, and the front cover numbered 72, all with Swiss hallmarks.
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Diameter: 53 mm
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Signed: Gme Hoff & Fils, Chaux-de-Fonds
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The movement is functioning properly, but there are signs of oxidation and some scratches on the plates. The repeating function works, but the quarters are not sounding, although the figures are striking with the quarters. The dial’s chapter ring is tarnished and has scuffs and scratches. The Jacquemarts enamel has a scratch in the centre but is otherwise in good condition overall. The case shows signs of light polishing, but the decorative scheme remains clear throughout. There is a minor depression towards the base of the band.
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The company W. Hoff & Fils, a Swiss watch manufacturer, was active in La Chaux-de-Fonds around 1880. An 18-karat gold Hunter pocket watch with a similar movement was sold by Charles Frodsham and was auctioned at Christie’s in Geneva on November 11, 2013, fetching 3,500 Swiss francs. The company likely had a short existence. During that time, there was also another company, Gerome Hoff & Fils, in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Additionally, there were other watch manufacturers in the area, such as Jean Guillaume von Hoff (1808–1885) and Eugène von Hoff (1845–1899).