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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating hunting-cased erotic pocket watch

A. Lugrin Quarter-Repeating Erotic Automaton Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This hunting-cased, keyless, 14K rose gold pocket watch is attributed to A. Lugrin and dates to approximately 1890. It features a quarter-repeating function activated by a slide on the case band. The five-body, bassine et filets case houses a rhodium-plated movement, Caliber 20???, equipped with 19 jewels and a counterpoised straight line lever escapement. The watch includes a cut bimetallic compensation balance, a blued steel Breguet balance spring, and an index regulator. A hinged gold cuvette within the case conceals a polychrome enamel automaton depicting an erotic scene of a gentleman and a lady in an alpine landscape. The white enamel dial displays radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, and blued steel Breguet-style hands. The watch measures 53.5 mm in diameter. The auction description notes the presence of dents on the case and recommends an overhaul for the movement.

The obverse showing the dial, and the internal view showing the erotic automaton scene when the cuvette is open.
The obverse showing the dial, and the internal view showing the erotic automaton scene when the cuvette is open. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating hunting-cased erotic pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Attributed to A. Lugrin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
265
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Automaton

The watch is housed in a solid 14K rose gold case of five-body construction, described as bassine et filets and finished with a polished surface. The hunting-style case features an external cover and a hinged gold cuvette inside.

This internal cuvette protects a polychrome painted enamel scene. The automaton depicts a Swiss gentleman and a lady situated on a grassy alpine landscape.

Evidence for this section
  • “Five-body, bassine et fi lets, solid, polished.”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette concealing the polychrome painted on enamel erotic automaton scene depicting a Swiss gentleman and a lady on the grass in an alpine landscape.”

Dial and Hands

The dial is finished in white enamel. It features radial Roman numerals for the primary time indication and a distinct outer minute track.

A subsidiary seconds dial is integrated at the bottom of the face. The watch is fitted with blued steel Breguet hands for hour and minute indication.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds.”
  • “Blued steel Breguet hands.”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The rhodium-plated movement, designated as Caliber 20???, contains 19 jewels. Technical features include a counterpoised straight line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring.

The quarter-repeating mechanism is operated via a slide positioned on the case band, which activates the repeating function on the gongs. An index regulator is provided for timing adjustments.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 20???, rhodium plated, 19 jewels, counterpoised straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator”
  • “repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band.”

Open research questions

  • What is the full designation of the movement caliber '20???'?
  • Is there supporting documentation or archival records to confirm the attribution to A. Lugrin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Lugrin Quarter-Repeating Erotic Automaton Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAttributed to A. Lugrin“Attributed to A. Lugrin”
Datecirca 1890“Made circa 1890.”
Case Material14K rose gold“14K rose gold”
Diameter53.5 mm“Diam. 53.5 mm.”
ComplicationsQuarter-repeating and erotic automaton“quarter-repeating, 14K rose gold pocket watch with concealed erotic automaton.”
Jewels19“19 jewels”
Movement CaliberCal. 20???“Cal. 20???”
Case ConstructionFive-body, bassine et filets“Five-body, bassine et fi lets, solid, polished.”

Visible details

  • Polished gold case with hunting cover
  • Concealed polychrome painted enamel erotic automaton
  • Blued steel Breguet-style hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to A. Lugrin is not definitively established
  • Movement caliber is only partially identified as 20???

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

QUARTER REPEATING & EROTIC AUTOMATON ' OUTDOOR PLEASURES Attributed to A. Lugrin, Swiss. Made circa 1890. Fine, hunting-cased, keyless, quarter-repeating, 14K rose gold pocket watch with concealed erotic automaton.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 674261f1bb

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.