Swiss

• gilt full plate verge movement, automaton driven by an independent movement with going barrel and wheel train, driving the automata by means of cams and levers • on the front a white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, outer track for the minute indication • on the back coloured gold automaton scene applied over a painted enamel background depicting a kitchen: a lady at the spinning wheel by a fire over which a chicken is being roasted, a small child opposite her, in the upper right part a dog running in a rotating cage, at the right water runs from a fountain, below a dog plays with a cat by a basket of vegetables • movement attributed to Pierre Simon Gounouilhou 

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing but would benefit from a service, the automaton is not functioning and will need restoration. Enamel dial is in good condition. There are some chips and cracks to the polychrome enamel scene. Overall, this is a very rare piece from the period.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The Kitchen was one of the most impressive automata watches produced in Geneva in the early 19th Century. This form of automaton watch appears to have been produced mostly by the Geneva watchmaker Gounouilhou. Fewer than a dozen 'Kitchen' automata are known, one such watch is illustrated in 'Histoire et Technique de La Montre Suisse', by E. Jaquet and A. Chapuis, 1945, and another one in 'Le Monde des Automates', A. Chapuis and E. Gelis, Paris, 1928.

 Pierre Simon Gounouilhou (1779-1847) was born in 1779, settled in Geneva (Quai Neuf en l'Isle, No. 241) in 1799. Known as an imaginative maker of great repute, he produced automata, musical objects, watches and quarter-repeating ring watches. He left his shop notes with an abundance of information about the habits and customs of early 19th century Geneva watchmakers.