Ls. Duchene & Fils. Rare et insolite montre de... Lot n° 17

Ls. Duchene & Fils. Rare et insolite montre de gousset à cadran ouvert en métal doré et décor en émail avec automate en continu remontoir à clef Ls. Duchene & Fils. An unusual and rare gilt metal and enamel decorated key wind open face pocket watch with continuous automaton Date: Circa 1810 Movement: Fusee verge Dial: White enamel with painted figures of cupid and Chronos in a boat, black Arabic numerals, black outer minute track, power reserve indication above 12, winding aperture at 4, gilt hands Case: Consular form, enamel decoration to reverse depicting a temple scene and drinking fountain, aperture to upper half with automaton figures including a pair of kite fliers, a musician with two dogs and further figure leading a dog Signed: Dial Size: 51mm Weight: 93,60g Footnotes: The Swiss watchmaker Louis Duchene (1730-1804) was known for his automaton watches and fine enamel work. Along with his son he formed Louis Duchene & Fils in 1791. With enamel decoration to the front and back, the scenery to the reverse of this watch is typical of their style. The classical landscape is finely painted and set against a black background. Jumping out against the dark are finely applied gold details that can be found on other Duchene & Fils examples. The back is further enhanced by an unusual 'wandering' animation that is driven by the movement. This rotating disc is decorated with a pair of kite fliers, a musician with two dogs and a further figure leading a dog to form a charming vignette. The dial depicts Cupid and Chronos, or Father Time, in a boat. More typical representations of these two together normally depict Chronos clipping Cupids wings but here they sit calmly and evoke an allegory of the effects of time and love. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com Movement: Runs intermittently when wound, power reserve function does not appear to work and will require attention too Dial: Chips around the winding aperture and below 5 and 6. Enamel is hard Hands: Some light marks Glass: Light scratches Case: Tarnishing throughout, reverse enamel scene is in good condition and is hard We do not test any watches for their accuracy and as such timekeeping cannot be guaranteed. We advise that if you are bidding on a watch, that you or your agents are completely satisfied with the condition of the lot. We recommend that all watches are serviced and polished after the sale as they are handled throughout the viewing period. Please note that although Bonhams endeavour to include reference to any replacement parts within our Condition Reports we cannot confirm that each individual element of the watch is original or that, if replaced, the replacement has been made using original manufacturer's parts.