Sandoz Frères. A very fine, rare and impressive 18K gold hunter case minute repeating keyless lever watch with "La Corrida" automaton scene, made for the Spanish Market
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Sandoz Frères. A very fine, rare and impressive 18K gold hunter case minute repeating keyless lever watch with "La Corrida" automaton scene, made for the Spanish Market

SIGNED SANDOZ FRÈRES, PONTS-MARTEL, NO. 13'527, CIRCA 1890

Details
Sandoz Frères. A very fine, rare and impressive 18K gold hunter case minute repeating keyless lever watch with "La Corrida" automaton scene, made for the Spanish Market
Signed Sandoz Frères, Ponts-Martel, No. 13'527, circa 1890
Nickel-finished lever movement, 30 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance, repeating on two hammers onto a gong, glazed dust cover, gold cuvette, white enamel dial, Roman numerals, gold spade hands, constant seconds, a polychrome enamel automaton "Corrida" scene to the centre, the bull moving his head up and down in unison with the hour repeating, the picador jabbing him with a spear in unison with the quarter repeating, both actions happening simultaneously with the minute repeating, massive circular case with finely chased and engraved floral and scroll decoration, a raised trophy of medieval armory to the front, repeating slide in the band, case numbered, cuvette signed
55.5 mm. diam.

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Lot Essay

The present watch impresses by the highly unusual and rarely seen automaton depicting a scene from a "Corrida" or bullfight, a traditional spectacle particularly in Spain and certain South American countries. The automaton is activated in three sequences in unison with the repeating: the bull moving his head up and down while the hours strike, the picador jabbing him with a spear while the quarters strike and both actions together during the repeating of the minutes.

Of highest quality and featuring a trophy of medieval arms to the front, this watch was most likely made by special order for a Spanish or Latin American nobleman.

Sandoz Frères in Ponts-Martel were active towards the end of the 19th century.

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