Henry Capt à Genève

• engraved gilt full plate verge movement, pierced and engraved balance cock, pinned barrel musical movement, repeating on two steel gongs • small eccentric gilt dial, engine-turned centre, Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, polychrome enamel dial plate depicting a landscape with lake scene with classical buildings and snow-capped mountains, fountain with dolphin head surrounded by flowers, vari-coloured automaton figures in the foreground of two musician and small bird • case with milled band, button in the band to activate the automata • dial band signed Hry Capt à Genève and numbered 558

The movement, repeating and musical mechanism are working at the time of cataloguing. The signature is in the dial band: "Hry Capt à Genève". The enamel dial is in very good condition, gilt dial with very light scuffs, more noticable scuff at 5 o'clock. Case with light scuffs. Overall in very good condition. Beautiful piece. Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require.
"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."

Henry-Daniel Capt, an early 19^th century Swiss maker of great repute, specialized in watches and snuff boxes with music and automata. He is credited as being one of the first in Geneva to use the musical mechanism with sur plateau form music work and in fact was known for employing all three musical systems: the barrillet, sur plateau and comb and cylinder. From 1802 to 1811, he was in partnership with Daniel Isaac Piguet.

Watches with music and automata such as the present piece were typical objects made in Geneva for export to China.