SWISS | A RARE GOLD AND ENAMEL AUTOMATA WATCH DEPICTING A KITCHEN SCENECIRCA 1820

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, automata driven by a separate spring barrel and train driving the automata by means of cams and levers • Dials: time dial: white enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute ring, separate apertures for winding going and automata trains • automata dial: polychrome enamel painted and vari-colour gold kitchen scene, a seated lady spins her yarn, her left arm moving and her leg operating a pedal to turn her spinning wheel whilst two chickens turn upon a spit roasting in front of the fire, the coals within which also turn, above a dog runs inside a wheel to power the spit jack, at the right water runs from a fountain, below a vari-coloured gold scene depicts a child and a dog playing with a cat by a basket of vegetables• Case: plain gold polished, chamfered bezels, lever at 5 o'clock for operating the automata scene, regulation arm between 2 and 3 o'clock 

Movement: running at time of cataloguing, automata also operational. Dial: with two or three small scratches, some chipping and a repair around the upper winding square Case: some slight depressions to the band, otherwise good overall.
"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."

A watch with a similar kitchen scene can be found on a watch signed by Simon Gounouilhou, Geneva, the latter illustrated in E. Jaquet, A Chapuis, Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, 1970, plate 96. Pierre-Simon Gounouilhou (1779-1847) settled in Geneva in 1799 and quickly established a reputation as an inventive and talented maker of watches, automata and musical boxes. For similar watches see Sotheby's Geneva, 15 May 2011, lot 57 and the Patek Philippe Museum inv. S-962 - the latter illustrated in P. Friess, Patek Philippe Museum - The Emergence of the Portable Timepiece, Vol.IV, p.37.