Lot #5274
Antoine Preziuso Hours Of Love Limited Edition 18K YG Erotic Automaton
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Introduction
Erotic automata belong to one of watchmaking's more secretive traditions, appearing in watches and objets d'art for centuries while typically concealing their mechanical theatre from casual view. Antoine Preziuso brought that tradition into contemporary independent watchmaking with the Hours of Love, deliberately presenting two very different personalities within a single object. From the front, it is an elegant tonneau-shaped dress watch with a restrained black dial, stylised Arabic numerals and feuille hands. Turn it over, however, and the character changes completely.
Dating to circa 1998, this example is number 02 of a limited edition of just 30 pieces, housed in a 30 x 40.5mm 18K yellow gold case. Its defining feature is the erotic automaton visible through the back, where engraved figures executed in three colours of gold are mechanically animated through operation of the winding crown. Beneath the theatrical complication is the manually wound ETA 2801, signed by Antoine Preziuso. Produced during an important period for the revival of independent watchmaking, the Hours of Love combines traditional métiers d'art, mechanical ingenuity and Preziuso's characteristically unconventional approach to horology.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Antoine Preziuso
Dimensions
30 x 40.5mm
Model
Hours of Love
Movement
Manual-wind ETA 2801
Reference
N/A
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa Late 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K Yellow Gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
The front of the Hours of Love is deliberately restrained compared with what lies behind it. A black dial with embossed sections provides the backdrop for stylised applied gold Arabic numerals and matching feuille hands, creating an elegant and distinctly late-1990s aesthetic within the curved tonneau case.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 18K yellow gold tonneau case measures approximately 30 x 40.5mm including its lugs. The reverse reveals the watch's defining feature: an intricately engraved erotic automaton incorporating three colours of gold, transforming an otherwise discreet dress watch into a miniature piece of mechanical theatre. This example is numbered 02/30.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The 18K yellow gold case shows surface scratches and small marks. All engravings to the edge of the display case back and case side remain crisp. There is some wear to the case back screws. The dial is in near-mint condition and the hands remain clean. It is fitted with a black leather strap and 18K yellow gold pin buckle.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The Hours of Love captures the irreverence and creative freedom that helped define the resurgence of independent watchmaking during the 1990s. Preziuso took the centuries-old tradition of erotic automata and translated it into a thoroughly contemporary wristwatch, deliberately hiding its most elaborate feature behind an elegant façade.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
