Arnex Musical Automaton Pocketwatch with Falconer and Horse Automata
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Arnex a gold plated musical automaton openface pocketwatch with alarm circa 1980, dial: demi-dial on applied idyllic background with automaton of a falconer watering his horse at a trough with a lady operating a pump which flows simulated water, movement: lever escapement, separate mechanism for automaton functions and music cylinder, case: round with decorative engraving, reeded band, dimensions: 57 mm, signed: case, dial and movement, accessories: Arnex winding key and silk lined presentation box, condition: dial, hands, glass: good, case: very light indications of any wear and commensurate with age and use, movement: running, but automata not working and will require service, overall condition: very good
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- Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
- Lever Escapement - A lever escapement is a type of escapement mechanism used in mechanical clocks and watches to regulate the timekeeping of the movement. It was invented by British clockmaker Thomas Mudge in the 18th century and is now widely used in modern mechanical timepieces.
The lever escapement consists of three main parts: the escape wheel, the pallet fork, and the lever. The escape wheel is a wheel with teeth that is driven by the clock or watch's main spring or weight. The pallet fork is a two-pronged component that is positioned so that it can engage with the teeth of the escape wheel, and the lever is a small, L-shaped component that is attached to the pallet fork.
When the escape wheel turns, one of its teeth pushes against one of the pallet fork's prongs, causing the fork to pivot. As the pallet fork pivots, it releases the tooth and engages with the next tooth on the opposite side of the escape wheel. At the same time, the lever, which is connected to the pallet fork, rocks back and forth, allowing the escape wheel to turn at a regulated rate.
The lever escapement is prized for its accuracy and reliability and is commonly used in high-end mechanical watches. It allows for precise timekeeping by ensuring that the movement of the watch or clock is regulated and consistent, and its compact size makes it an ideal choice for use in small, portable timepieces. - Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.
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