Bidspirit auction | A SWISS SILVER POCKET WATCH

A SWISS SILVER POCKET WATCH WITH PAINTED ENAMEL BIRDING SCENE WITH KEY, 18TH CEN. - This is a charming example of a late 18th to early 19th-century Geneva automaton pocket watch, notable for its painted enamel dial featuring a scene with a bird tamer or musician and a mechanical bird. Almost certainly Swiss (Geneva), circa 1790–1815 with a hand-painted enamel with a figure dressed in period attire, releasing or interacting with a bird. The subdial at lower right is offset, typical for automatons or musical watches. The figure’s box (possibly a music box or bird cage) and the bird itself may be animated (e.g., wing movement or music when wound). Key-wound (hole above the dial), likely with verge fusee escapement; automaton would be powered by a secondary mechanism. The movement has been tested. The painted bird in flight suggests this is more than just a decorative scene — likely part of a mechanical animation (e.g., bird flaps wings or spins). Watches like these were exported to China, the Ottoman Empire, and India, highly prized for their novelty. A scrtached inventory number is present on the cover interior. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not ship in-house. A list of recommended shippers will be provided. Dimensions: D: 2 1/8 in., (5.4 cm.) Condition: Mechanism tested and functional. The enamel is well-preserved. Some slight obfuscation to the top right of the dial, which is likely from the manufacturer.