Some watch brands like to bring originality with their dial. This can be achieved by reproducing famous works of art (as seen with Swatch as well as Jaeger-LeCoultre or Vacheron Constantin), atypical designs (like at Mr Jones)… or even more daring creations.
Moreover, watchmaking and eroticism have a long history in common. From the 17th century, some pocket watches hid explicit designs. Today, these hot scenes are exhibited more and more proudly, whether it’s at Ulysse Nardin, Blancpain or Andersen. We therefore suggest that you discover some erotic watches, intended for a mature audience.
Hidden risqué scenes in pocket watches
It is often overlooked, but erotic watches are fully part of the great history of watchmaking. The first models would date back to the end of the 17th century. First in Europe and then very quickly in China where explicit scenes were reproduced on the watches of the time. Or rather “inside” the watches, discreetly hidden under the lid of these pocket models.
Often prohibited, these erotic watches were the delight of collectors and libertines. Initially, they were mainly miniatures painted on enamel. But from the 18th century onwards, rather than a simple painted decoration, the watches were equipped with automatons that sprang into action, mimicking sexual intercourse in all its forms to the rhythm of the minutes and seconds. More than just carnal intercourse, watchmakers often chose to depict more taboo scenes, with 3 or more people or “multiethnic” relationships…
Long kept secret, these models occasionally emerge from the vaults where they were locked away and raise the temperature as well as the auctions at various sales. Jaquet-Droz is one of the first watchmaking houses where an erotic pocket watch was found, dating from the 1790s. But Breguet also largely distinguished itself in the 19th century, with its aptly named “Cavalcade” or its subtle “Theatre of Love”.
Watches Becoming Increasingly Erotic
The appearance of wristwatches at the beginning of the 20th century undoubtedly contributed to the decline of naughty watches, even though it is whispered behind the scenes that the big houses have always had specific requests in this regard, from wealthy people, celebrities and crowned heads… In fact, it is only from the 1990s onwards that erotic watches are gradually making a comeback on the front stage. Albeit very sporadically, but regularly. And in this little game, two brands quickly stand out: Ulysse Nardin and Blancpain.
This last one, notably, distinguished itself in 1993 with the 332 caliber of its Villeret Minute Repeater with Automata: if its dial was sober and elegant, the back of the case allowed one to admire not just a “simple” movement, but two naked automata in full action, in different positions depending on the model chosen. The price for each of these “unique pieces”: 120,000 euros… minimum!
And since these first erotic watches had their little effect, Blancpain has raised the bar several times afterwards, such as with the gorgeous Le Brassus Carrousel Répétition Minutes of 2011, with its finely engraved back (all for around 400,000 euros).
At Perrelet as well, some watches are not to be put into just any hands. Especially the Turbine, the most emblematic model of the brand. While its “poker” or “sheriff’s star” versions are for everyone, this is not quite true for the aptly named Turbine Erotic.
When it’s set down, the watch seems entirely chaste in its imposing 44mm steel casing. But as soon as it’s on the wrist, the 12 blades of the turbine spring into action and lift the censorship. You can then make out Japanese Hentai-style characters in action, in shades of gray, black and bright red.
Ulysse Nardin, who has always claimed his provocative side, wanted to make an impression with his Hourstriker movement. On these watches, which strike the hour on demand, hand-sculpted automatons come to life on the dial in a more or less suggestive manner. Special mention to the Classic Minute Repeater Voyeur (!) revealed in 2018, which stages two couples in the midst of action.
More recently, the brand has turned to Italian illustrator Milo Manara (first in 2019, a second time in 2023). Less pornographic, more artistic, the result exudes true poetry… even if it’s far from La Fontaine’s fables.
Jacob & Co also likes to remind that its watches are not like the others. We recently saw this with its Casino Tourbillon at €250,000 inspired by roulette. But it is another practice reserved for adults that is displayed on its Caligula. Or rather, it reveals itself only on demand, thanks to a crown positioned at 4 o’clock.
The revealed automaton, particularly daring (view here in action), is hand-painted enamel; in its “all audiences” position, the Jacob & Co watch, produced in 69 copies, is content with a guilloche dial with a low net pattern… Another form of foreplay…
Among other contemporary brands that enjoy indulging their impulses, we can also mention Richard Mille. Known for its sports watches, the brand already played the sensual card in 2015 with its evocatively named model, the RM 69 Tourbillon Erotic. Here, there are no moving figures, but words that scroll like messages foretelling steamy moments: “I want to caress you madly”, “Let me kiss you tonight”…
Finally, how can we talk about eroticism in watchmaking without mentioning the work of Sven Andersen? Having worked for Patek Philippe before launching his own independent brand, the Geneva watchmaker has made risqué watches one of his specialties (he has made 171 to date).
His cabinet of curiosities, for example, contains the most complicated erotic automaton in the world: the “classic” dial of the Eros Watches can rotate on itself to reveal to the less chaste eyes a polychrome painting, to be chosen from 9 different pictures. The most complex version sees 11 pieces come into play for 2 minutes, with a simple press of the pusher located at 8 o’clock.
From the most naughty to the most obscene, from the most suggestive to the most explicit, the erotic watch continues to surprise us. And more than just a provocative attempt, these creations testify to a real know-how. Without a doubt the ultimate proof that eroticism is an art in its own right!