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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Carillon repeating pocket watch with automaton

Automaton pocket watch with three-hammer carillon repeating

Partially verified

This Swiss pocket watch, identified by case number 4804, dates to approximately 1820. It features an 18K gold three-body Empire case with a polished bezel, a rope-twist band, and a back adorned with an engraved classical design set within an engine-turned border. The watch incorporates a carillon quarter-repeating mechanism that strikes three blued steel gongs using three hammers, activated via the pendant. The dial comprises a central annular white enamel chapter-ring displaying Breguet numerals. This is framed by three vari-colored gold automaton jacks: two standing figures in classical costume and a seated cherub, all arranged against a foliate-engraved gilt dial plate. The movement is a gilt brass full-plate caliber featuring a fusée and chain drive, a verge escapement, a plain three-arm balance, and an engraved continental cock fitted with a turquoise end stone. A hinged, sprung gilt cuvette protects the movement.

Front view of the 18K gold automaton pocket watch with three-hammer carillon repeating, featuring automaton jacks.
Front view of the 18K gold automaton pocket watch with three-hammer carillon repeating, featuring automaton jacks. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Carillon repeating pocket watch with automaton
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
250
Source-reported date
circa 1820
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4804

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 Dial Design

The watch is housed in an 18K gold three-body Empire-style case. The exterior features a polished bezel and a decorative rope-twist band. The back of the case is decorated with an engraved classical design, which is set within a broader engine-turned border. A hinged and sprung gilt cuvette is fitted to the movement ring.

The dial is highly decorative, featuring a central annular white enamel chapter ring with Breguet numerals. Surrounding this are three vari-colored gold automaton jacks, depicted in classical costume, positioned alongside a seated cherub. The entire assembly is set against a foliate-engraved gilt dial plate, with blued steel hands indicating the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three body, Empire, polished bezel, rope-twist band, the back with engraved classical design within an engine-turned border.”

Movement and Mechanics

The movement is a gilt brass full-plate construction. It utilizes a fusée and chain mechanism to provide power to the verge escapement. The balance wheel is a plain three-arm gilt type, oscillating beneath an engraved continental balance cock that features a turquoise end stone.

The watch includes a repeating function that strikes on three blued steel gongs using three hammers. This mechanism, which operates on a carillon basis, is activated by depressing the pendant. The repeating work, located under the dial, is described as polished.

Evidence for this section
  • “t brass full plate, with engraved movement ring, fusée with chain, verge escapement, plain 3-arm gilt balance, engraved continental cock with turquoise end stone”
  • “polished under dial repeating work striking with three hammers on three blued steel gongs activated by depressing the pendant.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports a grading of 'AAA Excellent' for the overall piece. The dial is classified as '2-01 Very good'.

The watch is attributed to Swiss manufacture and is dated to approximately 1820. The notes provided by the auction house emphasize the scarcity of combining these particular automaton and carillon complications into a single timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 2-01 Very good”
  • “Watches with automaton jacks with three actions and with carillon repeating with three hammers and gongs are extremely rare.”

Open research questions

  • Who is the original maker of this movement?
  • Does the serial number 4804 correspond to known Swiss production records for this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Automaton pocket watch with three-hammer carillon repeating
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material18K gold“18K gold”
Case number4804“case No. 4804”
Datecirca 1820“Made circa 1820.”
Repeating mechanismQuarter-repeating with three hammers“carillon quarter-repeating with three hammers on three gongs”
Dial numeralsBreguet numerals“Breguet numerals”
Escapement typeVerge escapement“verge escapement”
Movement caliberGilt brass full plate“t brass full plate”
Diameter57 mm“Diam. 57 mm.”

Visible details

  • Vari-colored gold automaton jacks in classical costume
  • Engraved continental balance cock with turquoise end stone
  • Rope-twist pattern along the case band

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the movement is described as '3 Good' with an overhaul recommended
  • The specific maker is not identified in the provided description

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

Consulted source

AUTOMATON WATCH WITH THREE HAMMER CARILLLON REPEATING & THREE ACTIONS Swiss, case No. 4804. Made circa 1820. Very fine and very rare, 18K gold carillon quarter-repeating with three hammers on three gongs pocket watch with three automaton jacks.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6a80b67814

Terms in this record

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