Frères Duchène & Comp. A Genève. Rare et insolite montre de gousset semi-squelette à cadran ouvert en or jaune 18K (750) avec automate jacquemart, répétition des quarts et scène érotique dissimulée remontoir à clef Frères Duchène & Comp. A Genève. A rare and unusual 18K gold key wind semi-skeletonised open face jacquemart automaton quarter repeating pocket watch with concealed erotic scene Date: Circa 1830 Movement: Gilt full plate cylinder, 3-arm balance, pierced and engraved balance bridge, silver regulation Dial: Skeletonised with three colour engraved automaton Jacquemart figures striking on three bells, central white enamel chapter ring with black Arabic numerals and outer minute divisions, concealed erotic scene at 6 revealed by button in the band at 7, blued steel Breguet style hands Case: Engine turned round, reeded band, No.8093 Signed: Case stamped FLP Size: 54mm Weight: 121,80g Footnotes: Erotic automaton watches originated in Europe during the late 18th century usually within a concealed compartment with opening doors to reveal the explicit scene either automatically when chiming or more commonly manually to allow the owner the option of displaying the explicit act or not. As the skill in creating erotic watches developed along with their popularity more complex and highly enameled scenes were created with two or more people in various location and positions; the popularity of the novelty and inventiveness of the watchmakers became their downfall as the detailed enameled figures began to represent members of the church or nobility drawing unwanted attention and leading to the destruction of numerous workshops and watches by law enforcement. Undeterred the practice emerged once again during the late 19th century. The current lot is a fine example of a semi-skeletonised quarter repeating Jacquemart pocket watch with the erotic automaton concealed beneath 6 o'clock. The aperture is opened by a button in the band at 7 which draws back two panels to reveal the lovers. Jacquemart automaton's also known as bellstrikers are mechanised figures of a person striking the hours on a bell with a hammer. They can also be known as a Jack of the Clock or Jack O'Clock. The origin of the word Jacquemart is disputed but thought likely to refer to a tool called a 'Jackie' which was used when building church towers. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com Movement: Runs when wound but automaton not functioning Dial: Overall good, light marks, scratches and tarnishing in places Hands: Tarnishing and losses to blueing throughout with minor signs of oxidisation Glass: Numerous small chips to the outer edge, scratches elsewhere Case: Surface scratches throughout, minor nicks in places 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.