SWISS | A GOLD QUARTER REPEATING AUTOMATON VERGE WATCH WITH JACQUEMARTS AND CONCEALED EROTIC AUTOMATACIRCA 1810

• Movement: unsigned gilded full plate, verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance bridge • Dial: white enamel chapter ring, Arabic numerals, skeletonised background with vari-colour gold classical jacquemarts figures holding hammers for the striking, erotic automata scene to the bottom concealed beneath a plate depicting a goat, each scene with applied three colour gold decoration against a blued steel plate• Case: gold, engine-turned back, a lever to the band at 5 o'clock to reveal the erotic scene, case maker's mark HB within a diamond shaped cartouche, gilt-metal cuvette bearing the signature Breguet à Paris

Movement: Not running at the time of cataloguing, ratchet wheel for fusee set up is loose. Balance wheel rotates freely. Repeating and automaton working correctly. Dial: enamel chapter ring in good condition. Some tarnishing to the figures Case: Engine-turning very worn, indentations to the edge, Cuvette tarnished and scuffed. Name scratched into the cuvette 'Gustaf Ahlgren'.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

In pagan antiquity the goat was often seen to symbolize lust and was frequently associated with the worship of Bacchus, the god of wine. The goat to the base of the dial of this watch is seen feeding on grapes and the plate upon which it is shown conceals the amorous automata scene beneath. For another automata watch with a similar arrangement, see Sotheby's New York, 4 December 2012, lot 163.