Complication Pocket Watch - Erotic circa 1875 - Bovet

It is circa 1875, made by Bovet.  Bovet catered to the Chinese market and the movement is signed in Chinese characters.  Because the name Bovet would not flow trippingly along the tongue in Chinese, the characters actually are written in the reverse (a common technique) and therefore pronounced "Way-Bow".  

It is a very early Swiss Keywind and Keyset pocket watch, with sterling silver case, and look at all the engravings on the movement, very visible in the rear of the watch when the back lid is opened.  You can just imagine its original owner's beaming smile as he shows his pocket watch to his friends.

The porcelain dial is in good shape, as is the mechanical animation.  We know its age because shortly after 1875 Bovet moved to stem wind and stem sets.

This beautiful old piece still works… loses about 5 minutes a day (which I expect we all will when we reach this age).

Charming watch that touches the wilder spirit of centuries past.