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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating automaton pocket watch

Quarter Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch with Concealed Erotic Scene

Partially verified

This is an 18k yellow gold, quarter-repeating pocket watch manufactured in Switzerland circa 1815. The watch features a manual-wind movement housed in an empire-style case with an engine-turned finish, reeled bands, and polished bezels. Its dial side displays two automaton jacks, representing Diana and Apollo, which strike bells to mark the time. Additionally, the watch includes a concealed erotic automaton scene of a couple on a bed, which is activated by a push-piece located at the six o'clock position and driven by the repeating train. The movement is half-skeletonized, utilizing a gilt-brass full plate construction with cylindrical pillars, a fusee with chain, a verge escapement, a three-arm balance, and a flat balance spring. The repeating mechanism is configured to sound on two gongs, engaged by depressing the pendant. The piece measures 60 mm in diameter.

The dial side of the pocket watch featuring the automaton Diana and Apollo figures and the clock face.
The dial side of the pocket watch featuring the automaton Diana and Apollo figures and the clock face. — 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
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
284
Source-reported date
Circa 1815
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
14314

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 encased in 18k yellow gold, crafted in an empire style. The exterior is characterized by engine-turned surfaces, a reeled band, and polished bezels. The dial assembly is a highly complex arrangement featuring skeletonized elements to expose the underlying mechanics.

The face is adorned with automaton figures of Diana and Apollo. These figures are animated to strike bells, providing an audible timekeeping function. A concealed erotic scene, depicting a couple on a bed, is integrated into the lower section of the dial. This scene is revealed by engaging a push-piece located at the six o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual wind empire case, engine-turned with reeled band and polished bezels, push-piece at 6 to disclosing the erotic scene”
  • “automaton Jacks of Diana and Apollo”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by a gilt-brass, full-plate movement. It utilizes a traditional fusee and chain system to maintain constant torque and is governed by a verge escapement. The balance is a three-arm plain brass type, paired with a flat balance spring.

The repeating mechanism sounds the quarters on two gongs. This function is initiated by depressing the pendant. The movement is partially skeletonized and includes cylindrical pillars for structural support.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, fl at balance spring”
  • “repeating on two gongs activated by depressing the pendant.”

Condition and Attribution

The object is unsigned, consistent with some Swiss production from the early 19th century.

The overall grading provided for the object is AAA (Excellent) for the movement in a general sense, though the specific 'Movement: 3' designation clarifies that mechanical servicing is necessary for long-term reliability. The case and dial are both rated as good.

Evidence for this section
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent”
  • “Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific movement design or components be attributed to a particular Swiss workshop active in the 1810s?
  • What is the specific mechanical linkage between the erotic automaton and the repeating train?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Quarter Repeating Automaton Pocket Watch with Concealed Erotic Scene
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18k yellow gold“18K YELLOW GOLD”
Diameter60 mm“Diameter 60 mm.”
Case Number14314“Case No. 14314”
EscapementVerge“verge escapement”
Repeating MechanismQuarter-repeating on two gongs“repeating on two gongs activated by depressing the pendant.”
ProvenanceProperty of a Spanish collector“PROPERTY OF A SPANISH COLLECTOR”

Visible details

  • Automaton figures of Diana and Apollo on the dial side
  • Concealed erotic scene featuring a couple on a bed
  • Half-skeletonized movement with visible gilt-brass plates
  • Engine-turned case decoration with reeled banding

Research qualifications

  • Overhaul of the movement is recommended by the auction house
  • The maker of this timepiece remains unsigned

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

Consulted source

UNSIGNED, SWITZERLAND, QUARTER REPEATING, DIANA & APOLLO JACQUEMART WITH CONCEALED EROTIC AUTOMATON, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 99967644c4

Terms in this record

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

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