Henry Jones

• gilt full plate verge movement signed Henry Jones London, unusual pillars of tulip form, balance cock pierced and engraved with foliate scrolls, plain balance and regulator, the going train with fusee and chain • painted enamel dial, the centre with a scene of Venus and Cupid, single blued steel hand, outer chapter ring with Roman numerals • bassine case decorated entirely with enamel scenes attributed to Huaud Freres depicting a scene of Juno and Zeus, sides with landscape vignettes separated by acanthus scrolls, the interior with a classical landscape, gilt metal outer case leather covered with gold piqué work

Christie's, London, March 21st 1972, lot 132.

A rare and highly attractive watch. Movement running, all appears fully operational while cataloguing. Enamel dial in its original condition, center with vibrant colors, the outer chapter ring for Roman numerals in good condition, loose on the aperture of the watch bezel. The outer case with lovely colors, some very small signs of wear, inside the bassine case, the landscape has one small part discolored which has probably been altered in the past. The loose pendant ring has most probably been restored. Overall the watch is in a very well preserved condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Highly respected both as a watchmaker and clockmaker, Henry Jones was apprenticed to the famous English makers Benjamin Hill and Edward East. Jones became a Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company in 1663 and Master in 1691. Among all of his production recorded in Baillie, one oval watch with minute hand varying  in length to follow the oval form is mentioned as one of his greatest achievements. This 'expanding hand' watch was formerly in the Sandberg Watch Collection, sold by Antiquorum on March 31st and April 1st, 2004, Geneva, lot 224. Other gold and enamel watches by Henry Jones are recorded in the British and Fitzwilliam Museums, Cambrigde.

The vibrant work of Huaud Frères has long been admired by many collectors, considered today as the best known and most prolific family of enamel painters of its time. The father, Pierre Huaud I (1612 -1680), was a protestant of French origin who moved to Geneva, where he became a habitant in 1630. He finished his apprenticeship as a goldsmith with Laurent Légaré in 1634 and soon after became Master Goldsmith. His three sons also became enamel painters, Pierre II (1647-c.1698) along with Jean-Pierre (1655-1723) and the younger brother Ami (1657-1729) who were appointed as enamel painters by the Brandenburg Elector Frederick III.