Eclipsed in price by a £150,000 pearl (News, ATG No 2369), the c.1810 Swiss gold automaton pocket watch shown below was at least as eye-catching at the Roseberys (25% buyer’s premium) jewellery and watches auction on November 20.
Extracted from Antiques Trade Gazette | Terence Ryle
With an elegant 2in (53cm) diameter dial, the reverse displayed a three-colour gold scene automaton operated by a lever.
The mounted falconer’s horse moves its head into the ornamental basin filled with simulated water by a girl operating the pump handle.
Estimated at £8000-12,000, it attracted wide interest before going to the UK trade over the phone at £14,500.