This 19th century gold and enamel automaton snuff box sold for US$802,408.
A rare 19th century gold and enamel snuff box was the top lot at Sotheby’s auction of important watches in Geneva. The masterpiece of Swiss horology – a three compartment box with a concealed timepiece and musical automaton – sold for US$842,408. It was produced in the workshop of Piguet & Capt in Geneva c1801-04. The right lid opens to reveal an automaton scene with a seated lady playing the harp and a gentleman tapping his food in beat to the music and moving his forearm. The figures stand beneath a bird jumping from a cage. The sale, for which around 550 watch connoisseurs from across the globe registered to bid, totaled US$11,386,142. There was a world auction record for a Panerai watch when a stainless steel miitary divers wristwatch, Luminor c1955, sold for $478,002. It was from the colleciton of the late Admiral Gino Birindelli, former commander of the Italian Navy.