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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Erotic pocket watch

Gilt-Metal and Enamel Erotic Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Swiss pocket watch, dating to circa 1780, features a gilt-metal case with an integrated, concealed erotic scene. The three-body, bassine-style case is polished and includes a back cover that opens to reveal a hand-painted enamel depiction of a seated monk and a woman in a compromising position. The watch is powered by a matte gilt, full-plate movement measuring 42 mm. The movement includes a fusee and chain mechanism, pentagonal baluster pillars, and a verge escapement equipped with a micrometric potence adjustment. Time is displayed on a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions, and a winding aperture located at the 2 o'clock position. The watch utilizes gilt Louis-style hands. The case is marked with the punch "Leton". The auction description reports that the enamel decoration has been slightly restored and that the movement currently requires repair.

The obverse and reverse of the erotic pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial and the hidden painted scene.
The obverse and reverse of the erotic pocket watch, showing the white enamel dial and the hidden painted scene. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Erotic pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
169
Source-reported date
circa 1780
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 housed in a three-body, bassine-style gilt-metal case that is polished. The primary feature of the exterior is the concealed erotic scene, which is rendered in painted enamel. This scene is revealed by opening the back cover of the watch. The erotic subject matter depicts a seated monk and a woman.

The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals and outer minute divisions to indicate time. A winding aperture is positioned at the 2 o'clock marker. The time is read using gilt Louis-style hands. The auction description notes that the enamel features are slightly restored and that there are hairlines present on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Three-body, bassine, polished, the back cover opening to reveal the erotic scene”
  • “D. White enamel with Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 2.”
  • “Slightly restored soft enamel”
  • “Hairlines”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by a 42 mm matte gilt, full-plate movement. The power delivery system relies on a fusee and chain mechanism. The construction includes pentagonal baluster pillars. The watch utilizes a verge escapement, which is refined by a micrometric potence adjustment.

The balance assembly consists of a three-arm brass balance and a flat balance spring. The movement is finished with a continental balance cock featuring a polished steel endplate and includes a silvered regulation dial. The auction description reports that the movement requires repair.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 42 mm., matte gilt full-plate, fusee and chain, pentagonal baluster pillars”
  • “verge escapment with micrometric potence adjustment”
  • “three-arm brass balance, flat balance spring”
  • “Repair required, at buyer's expense”

Signatures and Condition

The case is marked with the punch "Leton", identifying the metal type used in the construction. The watch is catalogued as Lot 169.

The auction house provides a grading assessment, identifying the case as having fair condition with a grade of A. The dial is also described as fair. The report indicates that the soft enamel has undergone slight restoration and the movement is currently non-functional, requiring professional attention.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case punched "Leton".”
  • “Property of an Swiss collector”
  • “Slightly restored soft enamel”
  • “Repair required, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the "Leton" punch on Swiss gilt-metal watch cases of this era?
  • Are there known artisan workshops specializing in erotic enamel work in Switzerland circa 1780?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt-Metal and Enamel Erotic Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1780“Made circa 1780.”
Maker OriginSwiss“Swiss.”
Case materialGilt-metal“Gilt-metal and painted on enamel pocket watch”
Case markingLeton“Case punched "Leton".”
EscapementVerge“verge escapment with micrometric potence adjustment”
Dial featuresArabic numerals and winding aperture at 2“White enamel with Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 2.”
Movement typeFusee and chain“matte gilt full-plate, fusee and chain”
Condition reportRepair required“Repair required, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • Concealed hand-painted erotic scene on the interior of the back cover
  • White enamel dial with a visible winding aperture
  • Gilt Louis hands
  • Matte gilt full-plate movement with pentagonal baluster pillars

Research qualifications

  • Extent of restoration to the soft enamel is not detailed
  • Functional state of the movement is described as requiring repair

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

Consulted source

The Temptations of the Flesh Swiss. Made circa 1780. Gilt-metal and painted on enamel pocket watch with concealed erotic scene.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e53b32b072

Terms in this record

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