montre de poche automate à « faux pendule » – Art Nouveau , vers 1890-1910 - 1850-1900

Rare automaton-pocket watch with a « false pendulum » – Art Nouveau, about 1890-1910

Rare mechanical pocket watch with automaton, Swiss-made, dating from the late 19th century or early 20th century, circa 1890-1910. This collectible piece stands out for its animated dial, equipped with an ingenious mechanism reproducing the back-and-forth motion of a traditional clock pendulum.

A witness to the horological ingenuity of Art Nouveau, this novelty watch pairs an original mechanical complication with a richly decorated dial. Its refined aesthetics and singular animation make it particularly interesting for collectors of antique watches and miniature automatons.

The automaton: a miniature pendulum in motion

When the watch is wound and running, a white metal piece visible in the aperture at 6 o’clock swings continuously from left to right. This animated movement visually reproduces the swing of a living-room pendulum clock, offering a mechanical display that is both original and captivating.

This feature sets the model apart from conventional pocket watches and testifies to the creativity of watchmakers of the time.

A decorative Art Nouveau dial

The painted dial presents an artistic composition evoking Art Nouveau and Belle Époque aesthetics. Two draped female figures frame a central clock, in an ornamental setting with warm colors.

Arabic numerals are arranged on a yellow background, surrounded by gold scrollwork and decorative motifs inspired by antique clock cartel engravings.

The dial retains a lovely visual freshness, with colors still vivid and a particularly pleasant appearance for a watch of this age.

Technical characteristics

* Type: mechanical pocket watch with automaton, known as a “false pendulum”
* Era: circa 1890-1910, Art Nouveau
* Origin: Swiss-made claimed
* Movement: manual winding mechanical, of the Roskopf type or related, depending on identification
* Special function: oscillating element visible at 6 o’clock
* Diameter: approximately 46 to 47 mm, excluding crown and bow
* Case: steel
* Caseback: snap-on, with a radiating geometric design and a central virgin coat of arms
* Interior of the case: bouchon finish
* Dial: painted, with figurative scenes and decorative ornaments
* Glass: clean and transparent

Condition and operation

Very good overall condition for a watch of this era.

* Functionality: the watch runs perfectly. The automaton is also operational: the oscillating element moves smoothly and regularly.
* Case: clean and well preserved, with a still clearly visible décor.
* Dial: attractive presentation, with fresh colors and good legibility.
* Glass: clean and transparent, with no notable scratches mentioned.

This antique watch presents a seductive combination of animated mechanics, figurative decoration, and historical charm.

Please examine the photographs carefully, which are an integral part of the description and allow appreciation of the condition of this antique piece.