Enamel pocket watches have long been part of the horological tradition with the earliest known examples from the 17th century. Exquisite enamel work became an art form unto itself and today these timepieces command top dollar for rare and unusual examples. The present lot is part of a very limited number of watches with enamels by the maker Ni. Gi. Barna, who was commissioned by Audemars Piguet in the early 1980's to produce the series. It is believed fewer than ten were made, each with a different scene, including Bedouin horsemen, a fox hunt scene, three marine scenes and Dionysus with a leopard.

Dionysus was the son of Zeus and God of wine, vegetation, pleasure, festivity and madness. His attributes include a staff crowned by a pine cone, a drinking cup and he is associated with the leopard, as he is seen in the present enamel riding the animal. In excellent overall condition with little to no wear, the present watch was sold by Audemars Piguet in 1982 with approximately 112 diamonds and sapphires for a total weight of around 2.34 carats. It is interesting to note the engraved and polished dial differs from other models in the series, which often had gem-set numerals. Enamel pocket watches are a delight as they both serve the functional purpose of telling time as well as the artistic beauty of the enamel work.