Charles Reuge Romance Automaton Pocket Watch CXH.17.4101.000, Fountain Scene, Gold-Plated Case, 57 mm

A Charles Reuge automaton pocket watch that turns time into a miniature theater: a sculpted bas-relief fountain scene of horsemen, columns and trees beneath a Roman-numeral dial, in a 57 mm gold-plated case. The Romance (泉噴水) model unites Swiss mechanical craft with decorative storytelling.

The Piece

This Charles Reuge CXH.17.4101.000 "Romance / 泉噴水" automaton embodies the craftsmanship for which the house is renowned worldwide: mechanical music boxes, automata and artistic timepieces. Its bas-relief fountain scene is sculpted in dimensional, multi-layered detail, framed by finely molded motifs and set against a rich navy ground.

The tableau depicts a pastoral European scene, with horsemen, columns, trees and flowing fountain elements rendered in sculptural depth and vibrant blue and multicolor artwork. Above it, a classic Roman-numeral time display with elegant hands offers crisp legibility while letting the eye linger on the scene below.

The large 57 mm gold-plated (GP) case adds warmth and stately presence, and the textured caseback and period-style key-wind aesthetic complete its old-world character. The hand-wound movement runs; the automaton mechanism is currently non-functional, and the piece is offered as a display object of horological art.

Reuge automaton timepieces are increasingly sought after as kinetic art, uniting narrative, decorative metalwork and traditional horology, and examples retaining their original scenic panels are becoming scarce. Displayed in a study, atelier or private collection, this watch brings a theatrical, romantic presence to its setting.

Details

• Maker: Charles Reuge
• Model: CXH.17.4101.000
• Line: Romance (泉噴水)
• Material: Gold-plated (GP) case
• Color: Navy, blue and multicolor scenic artwork
• Dial: Multicolor bas-relief fountain scene with Roman-numeral upper time display
• Movement: Hand-wound (manual); running
• Complications: Automaton (currently non-functional)
• Measurements: Case diameter approx. 57 mm
• Included: Case and key

Condition

Japonista grade A · Excellent, with minimal signs of handling.

• A rank: light, gentle wear; clean overall, with well-preserved artistry and minimal age-related wear.
• Exterior: fine surface marks and minor handling wear; gold-plated areas show gentle rubbing consistent with age.
• Dial and art panel: excellent color retention, with slight aging and patina on the relief surfaces.
• Movement: the hand-wound movement runs; the automaton mechanism is not operating.
• Caseback and edges: light scuffs; no major dents or impact damage.

Swiss Automaton Tradition

Founded in 1865, Reuge established itself as the premier Swiss maker of mechanical music movements, automata and luxurious artistic objects, merging storytelling, sculpture, watchmaking and fine decorative metalwork. This watch reflects the house's commitment to joining kinetic scenes with precise horology, a miniature stage of European artistic heritage.

Authenticity & Care

Charles Reuge model CXH.17.4101.000, Romance (泉噴水) scene, offered with its case and key. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

Collectors also search: charles reuge automaton pocket watch · reuge romance automaton watch · reuge cxh.17.4101.000 · automaton pocket watch fountain scene · swiss automaton pocket watch · large gold plated pocket watch 57mm · kinetic art pocket watch