Pocket watch · Musical automaton pocket watch

Gold and enamel musical automaton pocket watch attributed to Piguet & Meylan

Partially verified

This 18K pink gold pocket watch, measuring approximately 53 mm in diameter, is attributed to Piguet & Meylan and dates to circa 1820 for the Chinese market. It features oriental half pearl embellishments across both sides, the pendant, bow, and band. The reverse displays an enamel painting of a floral bouquet. The obverse houses an off-center white enamel dial with Roman numerals and center seconds, situated above an automaton scene set against an enameled landscape, featuring a lady with a hurdy-gurdy and a seated musician. Mechanically, it operates via a cylinder movement with hour and quarter repeating and a musical movement with hourly release.

Front and back views of an 18K pink gold and enamel musical automaton pocket watch attributed to Piguet & Meylan, ca. 1820. — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Pocket watch · Musical automaton pocket watch
Maker / attribution: Piguet & Meylan (attributed)
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 4266
Source-reported date: ca. 1820
Country: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: 4836

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

Identity and Attribution

The pocket watch is attributed to the Geneva-based makers Piguet & Meylan, noted as the primary producers of such automatons. The source clarifies that this identification is an attribution and not derived from a signed mark.

The piece is associated with the Chinese market and features a serial number, 4836. Specific stylistic features, such as the dark blue and turquoise enamel band, are described as typical for Piguet & Meylan.

Evidence for this section

“The watch can almost certainly be attributed to Piguet & Meylan, the most important Geneva maker of these automatons.”
“serial number 4836”
“dark blue and turquoise band colour typical for Piguet & Meylan”

Construction and Decorative Detail

Constructed in 18K pink gold, the watch measures approximately 53mm in diameter and weighs approximately 127g. The exterior features half Oriental pearls set on both sides, the pendant, and the bow. A button next to the pendant operates the back spring lid.

The case back displays a floral bouquet enamel painting in Geneva top quality, which has been partially professionally restored in the peripheral area. The dial side features an off-center white enamel dial with a center seconds hand, positioned above a figural automaton set against an enameled background.

Evidence for this section

“Ca. Ø53mm, approx. 127g, 18K pink gold”
“both sides set with half Oriental pearls, complete original setting”
“The painting on the back has been partially professionally restored in the peripheral area.”
“decentralised enamel dial with centre seconds on the face, below is the figure automaton”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The watch contains a cylinder movement with an hour and quarter-repeater, along with a musical mechanism that triggers an hourly release for the figural automaton. The musical movement is reported to sound functional, and the lady with the hurdy-gurdy automaton is in working order.

The auction source reports that the automaton depicting the young man with the lute is not moving. Minor restorations to the case and the automaton are noted, including the removal, restoration, and reinstallation of a plaque.

Evidence for this section

“cylinder movement with repeating the hours and quarters, musical movement with hourly release”
“The musical movement still sounds very good after more than 200 years and the automaton of the lady with the hurdy-gurdy still works.”
“The young man with the lute is not moving at the moment.”
“The case and the automaton show minor restorations.”

Open research questions

Does the physical watch exhibit any internal hallmarks or maker's signatures?
What is the specific nature of the 'plaque' mentioned in the restoration notes?
Are there archival records for Piguet & Meylan corresponding to serial number 4836?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold and enamel musical automaton pocket watch attributed to Piguet & Meylan
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Case Material and Dimensions	18K pink gold, approximately 53 mm in diameter and 127 g in weight	“Ca. Ø53mm, approx. 127g, 18K pink gold”
Case Serial Number	4836	“serial number 4836”
Movement Functions	Cylinder movement with hour and quarter repeating and musical automaton release	“cylinder movement with repeating the hours and quarters, musical movement with hourly release”
Gem Setting	Set with half Oriental pearls on both sides, band, pendant, and bow	“both sides set with half Oriental pearls, complete original setting”
Estimated Date	ca. 1820	“ca. 1820”
Auction Result	Passed	“Passed”

Visible details

Reverse cover features a polychrome floral enamel bouquet with roses, poppies, and smaller garden blossoms against a pale ground
Obverse presents a decentralized white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and center seconds above a figural pastoral automaton
Perimeter bezels, pendant neck, and bow are set with rows of half pearls

Research qualifications

Attribution to Piguet & Meylan is an auction house attribution rather than a signature mark
Source notes the painting on the reverse was partially restored in the peripheral area and reinstalled
Source states that the automaton figure of the young man with the lute was not moving at the time of cataloging

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Pocket watch: important gold/enamel musical automaton for the Chinese market, attributed to Piguet & Meylan ca. 1820

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ddb67a6dd9

Terms in this record

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