Classic Voyeur

Erotic watches have a long history. From the seventeenth century, risqué scenes made a discreet appearance inside the back cover of pocket watches in the form of engravings or miniature paintings. Some makers then repurposed the minute-repeater movement and its jaquemarts to play out these immodest scenes on the back of the watch. The tradition was revived in the 1980s on wristwatches that were still considered unsuitable for public viewing. Until, that is, Ulysse Nardin broke the taboo with its Classic Voyeur, a minute repeater in two limited editions of 18 pieces each in pink gold and platinum. Pictured in a delicately engraved Louis XIV boudoir, the erotic jaquemarts in pink gold or white gold are caught in the act, indulging in some "hot horology" each time the minute-repeater slide is actuated.