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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating automaton pocket watch

François Le Hardy Quarter-Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18-karat gold quarter-repeating pocket watch by François Le Hardy, originating from Switzerland around 1820, features an automaton mechanism. The timepiece is housed in a three-body Empire-style case with an engine-turned finish and a reeded band. The white enamel dial is marked with Breguet numerals and is accompanied by blued steel spade hands with gold tips. Surrounding the center dial is an engine-turned silver dial plate, which serves as a backdrop for two applied gilt silver Jacks of the 'Martin-Martine' type. These figures strike hours and quarters on two bells positioned above the dial. The watch is powered by a gilt brass full plate movement with cylindrical pillars, a fusee with chain, and a verge escapement. It utilizes a plain gilt brass three-arm balance with a flat balance spring. The repeating mechanism is activated by depressing the pendant.

A François Le Hardy quarter-repeating automaton pocket watch with an engine-turned silver dial plate and applied gilt silver Jacks.
A François Le Hardy quarter-repeating automaton pocket watch with an engine-turned silver dial plate and applied gilt silver Jacks. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating automaton pocket watch
Maker / attribution
François Le Hardy
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
243
Source-reported date
circa 1820
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 Dial

The watch is enclosed within a three-body Empire-style case constructed of 18-karat gold. The exterior surfaces of the case feature engine-turned decoration, complemented by a reeded band detail. The internal components include a gilt brass cuvette upon which the maker's signature appears.

The dial assembly is complex, featuring a central white enamel dial marked with Breguet-style numerals. This central dial is framed by an engine-turned silver dial plate. Positioned on either side of the center are applied gilt silver Jacks in the 'Martin-Martine' configuration, designed to strike the hours and quarters on two bells located at the top of the dial plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three body Empire, engine-turned with reeded band.”
  • “t brass cuvette.”
  • “Engine-turned silver dial plate with on each side of the dial, applied gilt silver Jacks of "Martin- Martine" type, striking hours and quarters on two bells above the dial.”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece is powered by a gilt brass full plate movement featuring cylindrical pillars. Power is delivered through a fusee with a chain, which regulates the energy to a verge escapement. The balance system comprises a plain gilt brass three-arm balance paired with a flat balance spring. A gilt brass continental cock and a polished steel end-piece complete the movement architecture.

The watch includes a quarter-repeating function which operates on gongs. The user triggers this complication by depressing the watch pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “GiIt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain gilt brass three arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock and polished steel end-piece.”
  • “Repeating on gongs by depressing the pendant.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description attributes the manufacture of this watch to François Le Hardy and assigns a Swiss origin, dated to approximately 1820.

Observations regarding the dial note that the white enamel surface shows signs of previous restoration. The watch, including the case, dial, and movement, measures 55 mm in diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “François Le Hardy, Swiss, circa 1820.”
  • “D. White enamel with Breguet numerals (slightly restored).”
  • “In good condition.”
  • “Diam. 55 mm.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical connection between the movement and the automaton Jacks?
  • Are there archival records linking François Le Hardy to other known automaton watches of this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for François Le Hardy Quarter-Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFrançois Le Hardy“François Le Hardy”
Datecirca 1820“circa 1820”
Case Material18 ct. gold“18 ct. gold”
Case StyleThree body Empire“Three body Empire”
DialWhite enamel with Breguet numerals“D. White enamel with Breguet numerals (slightly restored).”
MovementGilt brass full plate“M. GiIt brass full plate”
EscapementVerge escapement“verge escapement”
Dimensions55 mm“Diam. 55 mm.”

Visible details

  • Applied gilt silver Jacks on the dial plate
  • White enamel dial with Breguet numerals
  • Engine-turned finish on the silver dial plate
  • Reeded band on the watch case

Research qualifications

  • The white enamel dial is reported as slightly restored
  • The specific functional status of the automaton mechanism is not detailed

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

Consulted source

François Le Hardy, Swiss, circa 1820. Fine 18 ct. gold, quarter repeating watch with automaton Jacks.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record df87f717d2

Terms in this record

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

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