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Alfred Lugrin rose gold Minute Repeating Erotic Automaton, 1890 — view 1 of 6
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

Alfred Lugrin rose gold Minute Repeating Erotic Automaton, 1890

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
1890
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
gold
Stock no.
Product 4013
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4013)
Catalogue title (original)
Alfred Lugrin rose gold Minute Repeating Erotic Automaton (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 4013), this is a pocket watch, dated 1890. The Atlas places it in the Industrial Revolution period (1850 – 1900) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step into a world of horological artistry with the Alfred Lugrin rose gold Minute Repeating Erotic Automaton, a masterpiece from 1890 that epitomizes the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking. This exquisite 14K rose gold pocket watch, crafted by the renowned Alfred Lugrin, is not only a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of its era but also a rare and highly sought-after collector’s item. With its concealed erotic automaton and quarter-repeating mechanism, this watch offers a glimpse into the playful yet sophisticated design sensibilities of the late 19th century. Despite its age, the movement remains signed and operational, though it does require some revision. The dial, marked by hairline cracks and lacking glass, along with a small dent on the case edge and enamel chipping, adds to the character and historical authenticity of this unique timepiece. Weighing 118.6 grams and measuring 53.5 mm in diameter, this watch is a substantial piece that commands attention and admiration. This is the first time this exceptional Lugrin erotic watch has appeared on the market, making it an unparalleled opportunity for collectors to own a piece of horological history. For sale is a highly sought-after Lugrin quarter-repeating pocket watch with a concealed erotic automaton. Crafted in Swiss in approximately 1890, this keyless 14K rose gold watch is a true collector’s item. Lugrin erotic watches are exceedingly rare, making this piece an exceptional find, and it is the first time it has appeared on the market. The movement is signed, and the watch can be wound and operated, although it requires revision. The dial shows signs of hairline cracks, and there is no glass. The case has a small dent on the edge, and the enamel shows signs of various chipping. This unique watch is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of Lugrin and is sure to be a prized piece in any collection. Creator: Alfred Lugrin Case Material: 14k Gold,Rose Gold Weight: 118.6 g Case Dimensions: Diameter: 53.5 mm (2.11 in) Place of Origin: Switzerland Period: 19th Century Date of Manufacture: circa 1890 Condition: Fair

Historical context

Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)

American interchangeable-parts manufacture; railroad time standards; Swiss and German factory systems.

Machine production with interchangeable parts, pioneered by Waltham (1850s) and adopted by Elgin, Longines, Omega and others, made reliable lever watches widely affordable. Keyless winding became standard, railroad watch standards were introduced (1890s), and Swiss and American industries competed globally.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Precision & Scientific Horology

Atlas type guide

Repeating watches

Before electric light, telling the time in the dark was a real problem. Repeating watches strike the time on demand when a slide or push-piece is operated: quarter repeaters sound hours and quarters, minute repeaters hours, quarters and minutes. Edward Barlow and Daniel Quare disputed the invention in London in the 1680s. Early repeaters struck on a bell inside the case; Abraham-Louis Breguet introduced the gong (a coiled steel wire) around 1780, allowing thinner watches.

Repeaters require a separate train with racks, snails and a governor to control the striking speed, and are among the most demanding complications to make and adjust. Swiss makers of the Vallée de Joux specialised in repeating ébauches in the nineteenth century.

What to look for

  • A slide on the case band or a push-piece through the pendant.
  • Gongs encircling the movement (after c. 1780) or a bell in the case (earlier); pierced case for sound.
  • The racks, snails and governor visible under the dial or on the movement.
  • Terms such as 'Minutes', 'Quarts' or 'Répétition' on the dial or cuvette.

Dating clues

  • Bell-striking quarter repeaters: c. 1690–1800.
  • Gong repeaters and dumb repeaters (striking on the case): after c. 1780.
  • Minute repeaters became more common after c. 1830 with Vallée de Joux ébauches.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Minute repeater

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