Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating pocket watch with automaton

Quarter-repeating pocket watch with automaton

Partially verified

This 18K gold pocket watch, attributed to the Genevan firm Esquivillon et Deschoudens, dates to circa 1810. It is a quarter-repeater featuring an elaborate automaton scene integrated into the dial. The mechanism includes a knife-grinder's workshop where seven distinct automaton actions occur, accompanied by multicolored gold striking jacks that appear to strike bells when the repeater is activated. The watch is housed in an 'Empire' style case, created by the master case-maker Pierre Benjamin Tavernier, characterized by engine-turned patterns of concentric circles on the back and reeded detailing on the bezel and band. The white enamel dial features Breguet numerals and a central aperture displaying the automaton scene, set against a blued steel background. Internally, the movement is a 19-ligne frosted gilt full plate design with a fusée and chain, verge escapement, and an engraved continental balance cock.

Front view of the 18K gold quarter-repeating pocket watch showing the automaton scene of a knife-grinder and assistant. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category: Pocket watch · Quarter-repeating pocket watch with automaton
Maker / attribution: Esquivillon et Deschoudens
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 312
Source-reported date: circa 1810
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 External Features

The watch is encased in an 18K gold 'Empire' housing measuring 55 mm in diameter. The case features reeded decoration along the bezels and the band, providing a textured finish. The back of the case is decorated with engine-turned concentric circles.

The watch incorporates a master mark, PBT, corresponding to the casemaker Pierre Benjamin Tavernier. A bolt located at the 11 o'clock position functions as a lock for the repeating mechanism. The watch includes a gilt brass spring-loaded cuvette that is fitted directly to the movement ring.

Evidence for this section

“Three-body, "Empire", master mark PBT for Pierre Benjamin Tavernier, reeded bezels and band”
“the back engine-turned with concentric circles, bolt at 11 to lock the repeating”
“Gilt brass spring-loaded cuvette fitted to the movement ring”

Dial and Automaton

The dial is constructed of white enamel and carries Breguet-style numerals with outer minute divisions. The center of the dial serves as the stage for the automaton scene, which depicts a knife-grinder sharpening a blade on a grinding wheel, assisted by a boy who operates the wheel via a large pulley system.

The scene is executed in multicolored gold and set against a blued steel background, including a gold brick arch. During the operation of the quarter-repeating function, cherub figures positioned at the top of the dial appear to strike bells. The watch utilizes blued steel Breguet-style hands to indicate the time.

Evidence for this section

“Annular white enamel with Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions”
“automaton scene depicting a knife-grinder sharpening a knife on a grinding wheel while a boy drives the wheel via a large pulley, blued steel background”
“center with applied multicolored gold cherubs appearing to strike bells during repeating”

Movement and Technical Construction

The movement is a 19-ligne, frosted gilt, full plate caliber supported by cylindrical pillars. Power is transmitted through a fusée and chain system, regulating a verge escapement. The balance assembly consists of a plain brass three-arm balance wheel paired with a flat balance spring.

The balance clock is pierced and engraved in the continental style and features a polished steel endplate. A silver regulation dial is provided. The quarter-repeating mechanism functions on gongs which are triggered by depressing the watch pendant, while the automaton sequence is powered by the repeating train.

Evidence for this section

“19''', frosted gilt, full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusée and chain, verge escapement”
“plain brass three-arm balance with flat balance spring, pierced and engraved continental balance clock”
“repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant, automaton driven via repeating train”

Open research questions

What is the full provenance of this specific lot beyond the referenced F. Conty Collection watch?
Are there archival records confirming the collaboration between Pierre Benjamin Tavernier and Esquivillon et Deschoudens for this specific production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Quarter-repeating pocket watch with automaton
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Esquivillon et Deschoudens	“Attributed to Esquivillon et Deschoudens à Genève.”
Date	circa 1810	“Made circa 1810.”
Case Maker	Pierre Benjamin Tavernier	“master mark PBT for Pierre Benjamin Tavernier”
Case Material	18K Gold	“18K gold pocket watch”
Movement	19-ligne frosted gilt full plate	“19''', frosted gilt, full plate with cylindrical pillars”
Escapement	Verge	“verge escapement”
Case Size	55 mm	“DIAM. 55 mm.”
Condition	Good; requires overhaul	“Good Overhaul recommended”

Visible details

White enamel dial with black Breguet-style numerals
Automaton scene shows a knife-grinder at work with an assistant
Gold striking jacks located at the top of the dial
Reeded bezel and case band detailing

Research qualifications

Attribution to Esquivillon et Deschoudens is not stated as definitive
The movement condition is reported as needing an overhaul

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

Consulted source

THE KNIFE GRINDER, WATCH WITH SEVEN AUTOMATON ACTIONS Attributed to Esquivillon et Deschoudens à Genève. Made circa 1810. Very fine and very rare, quarter-repeating, 18K gold pocket watch with multicolored gold striking Jacks and an automaton scene of a knife-grinder's workshop with a total of seven automaton actions.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 18017c1f84

Terms in this record

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