Ultra-Rare Verge Fusee Erotic Automaton Pocket Watch. 18K Gold. France c. 1820

Ultra-Rare Verge Fusee Erotic Automaton Pocket Watch. 18K Gold. France circa 1820

This pocket watch represents one of the most exquisite, daring, and sophisticated forms of 19th-century horology. Made in France around 1820, this extraordinary verge fusee watch, crafted in solid 18K gold, features a quarter repeater accompanied by relief-carved automaton figures that are dramatically activated when the crown is pressed. The male and female figures on either side of the dial strike the upper bells with small hammers, creating a unique visual and auditory experience.

But what truly distinguishes this piece and elevates it to a highly exclusive collector’s category is the scene located at the 6 o’clock position: an erotic depiction of a gentleman and a lady in an intimate moment on a divan. This scene is also animated and is activated simultaneously with the repeater when the crown is pressed. The entire composition showcases fine engraving and gilding work, revealing an impressive level of detail, mechanical ingenuity, and the playful spirit typical of the enlightened eroticism of the period.

The case is solid and preserves a fine guilloché on the back cover, which remains in excellent condition. The main dial is made of silver. Opening the inner lid reveals a verge fusee movement with delicate floral decoration, retaining its original escapement, characteristic of early 19th-century mechanisms.

The movement is an extraordinary example of high-precision micromechanics. All parts are original and in very good overall condition. The repeater and automaton systems are functional, although like all antique fine watchmaking pieces, they show some aesthetic wear. Mechanically, they function very well. These watches were considered true works of art for highly exclusive clients, crafted in small Parisian workshops specialized in erotic horology.

An exceptional opportunity to acquire a historical treasure with high collectible and investment value. This piece not only evokes admiration for its artistic and technical merit, but also carries a provocative charm and a refined nod to the humor of high society in its time. Ideal for collectors seeking a standout, unique, and rare piece.

It would be spectacular for display in a private collection of antique timepieces or as a conversation piece in a cabinet of curiosities.

Don’t miss the chance to acquire an absolutely one-of-a-kind piece.

Measurements: 5.5 cm (2.17 in). Weight: 117 g.

History of Erotic Automaton Watches

Erotic automaton watches emerged during the 18th century, primarily in Switzerland and France, at a time when the European bourgeoisie and nobility were beginning to seek objects that went beyond mere functionality. These watches, designed as both mechanisms and amusements, blended advanced engineering, refined humor, and sensual provocation. They were commissioned by wealthy clients who wanted exclusive and daring pieces, often intended as intimate gifts or for discreet display at private gatherings.

Unlike conventional watches, erotic automaton timepieces featured animated scenes activated by springs or levers, often hidden. The content of these scenes ranged from suggestive to explicitly graphic, always within the aesthetic taste and artistic codes of the Rococo or Neoclassical style. They were not scandalous objects, but rather playful expressions of sophistication.

The scenes often depicted couples in amorous situations, set on divans, in secret gardens, or with mythological references. These watches were almost always made in limited editions and were extremely expensive, reserved for the elite. Some of the most renowned workshops were located in Geneva and Paris, cities where this niche luxury micro-industry flourished.

With the rise of 19th-century puritanism and cultural shifts, many of these watches were hidden, dismantled, or altered. Today, the few pieces that have survived in good condition are extremely rare, and their value has skyrocketed among collectors of art, horology, and antique curiosities. Owning an original 19th-century erotic automaton watch means not only possessing a sophisticated mechanical object, but also a piece of cultural history that reveals much about the tastes, freedoms, and secrets of European high society of the time.