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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

L'Escarpolette Quarter Repeating Watch with Automata

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold quarter repeating pocket watch, attributed to Louis Duchêne & Fils, dates to approximately 1800. It measures 59 mm in diameter and features a hinged gilt brass full-plate movement with cylindrical pillars, a fusee with chain, and a verge escapement. The watch includes a plain brass three-arm balance with a flat balance spring and a gilt brass continental cock equipped with a polished steel end-piece. The black enamelled dial plate displays diamond-inlaid foliage and a multi-coloured chased automaton scene showing a girl on a swing pushed by a boy near a fountain. Two Cupids positioned above the scene strike the hours and quarters on bells. A small eccentric white enamel dial features Breguet numerals and gold spade hands. The auction description reports the watch is in good condition, with the movement requiring an overhaul and the dial showing slight restoration.

View of the watch dial showing the automaton scene with the girl on the swing, Cupids, and the eccentric time dial.
View of the watch dial showing the automaton scene with the girl on the swing, Cupids, and the eccentric time dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Louis Duchêne & Fils
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
304
Source-reported date
Circa 1800
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

Dial and Automata

The watch face is dominated by a black enamelled dial plate decorated with diamond-inlaid foliage. Set within this scene is a multi-coloured chased automaton assembly depicting a young girl on a swing, pushed by a young boy, positioned in front of a fountain. The water flow is represented by a twisted glass rod.

Two Cupids are positioned above the primary scene; these figures function as strikers for the repeating mechanism, hitting bells to mark the hours and quarters. A separate, small eccentric white enamel dial provides the time via Breguet numerals and gold spade-shaped hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The black enamelled dial plate with diamond inlaid foliage decoration is applied with a varycouloured chased automaton scene”
  • “Above the scene, two Cupids strike hours and quarters on two bells.”
  • “Small eccentric white enamel with Breguet numerals. Gold "spade" hands.”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is a hinged gilt brass full-plate caliber measuring 19'''. It utilizes a fusee with chain drive and a verge escapement. The balance is a plain brass three-armed variety, controlled by a flat balance spring.

A gilt brass continental cock is fitted with a polished steel end-piece. The watch includes a quarter-repeating function, which is triggered by depressing the pendant to strike on an internal bell.

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

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the watch in good condition, although the movement is noted as requiring an overhaul. The dial has undergone slight restoration, and the case exhibits minor surface scratching.

The timepiece is attributed to the maker Louis Duchêne & Fils of Switzerland, dating to circa 1800. A similar example by the same maker was documented in a Christie's sale in 2011.

Evidence for this section
  • “Attributable to Louis Duchêne & Fils, Switzerland”
  • “In very good condition.”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended”
  • “A similar watch, signed by Louis Duchêne & Fils, was sold at 195'000 CHF by Christie's on May 2011”

Open research questions

  • What specific marks, if any, indicate the origin of the automaton assembly?
  • Does the serial number or hallmark on the case interior correspond to known Louis Duchêne & Fils case supply records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for L'Escarpolette Quarter Repeating Watch with Automata
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAttributable to Louis Duchêne & Fils“Attributable to Louis Duchêne & Fils”
Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold”
EscapementVerge escapement“verge escapement”
Movement typeHinged gilt brass full plate“Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars”
Automata descriptionFive automata including two Cupids and a girl on a swing“quarter repeating watch with five automatons”
Dial featuresBlack enamel with diamond inlay“The black enamelled dial plate with diamond inlaid foliage decoration”

Visible details

  • Five mechanical automata integrated into the scene
  • Water effect simulated by a twisted glass rod
  • Breguet-style numerals on the eccentric enamel dial
  • Pendant-activated repeating mechanism

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution is indicated as 'Attributable to'
  • Movement condition requires professional attention according to the source
  • Historical documentation provided for a similar, not identical, piece

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

Consulted source

L'ESCARPOLETTE

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e592f4efa9

Terms in this record

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

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