Swiss. A fine 18K gold quarter repeating watch with two jaquemarts
This lot is offered without reserve. On lots mark… Read more
Swiss. A fine 18K gold quarter repeating watch with two jaquemarts

Unsigned, no. 4003, circa 1820

Details
Swiss. A fine 18K gold quarter repeating watch with two jaquemarts
Unsigned, no. 4003, circa 1820
MOVEMENT: manual, chain fusée, verge escapement, quarter repeating with two hammers on two gongs
DIAL: small white enamel, Arabic numerals, chased gold Jacks in ancient Greek costume on each side of the dial appearing to strike the hours and quarters on two bells, translucent royal blue enamel ground
CASE: 18K gold, engine-turned, reeded band, gilt cuvette, repeating through the pendant, 53.5 mm. diam.
SIGNED: unsigned, case numbered 4003
Special Notice
This lot is offered without reserve. On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT will be charged at 8% on both the premium as well as the hammer price.

Lot Essay

Jaquemarts have a long tradition and figure already in the first edition of the French National Academy's dictionary, which appeared in 1694, with the following definition:

"JAQUEMART. Figure de fer ou de fonte, representant un homme arm, laquelle on met d'ordinaire sur le haut d'une tour pour frapper les heures avec un marteau sur la cloche de l'horloge."
Figure made of solid or cast iron representing a man in arms, which is usually put up on top of a (clock) tower to strike the hours with a hammer onto the bell of the clock."

Watches decorated with the miniature versions of these clock tower "men in arms" are as popular today as they were in the 19th century.

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