Important Watches

Henri Capt

A lady's platinum minute repeating wristwatch , Circa 1895

Estimate

80,000 - 160,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Henry Capt

A lady's platinum minute repeating wristwatch , Circa 1895

Dial: silvered

Calibre: mechanical, jewelled

Movement number: 40'871

Case: platinum

Case number: 40'871

Closure: unsigned black cord bracelet and stainless steel clasp

Size: 23 mm diameter

Signed: dial and movement

Accessories: none

This exquisiteand exceedingly rare minute repeating wristwatch with case diameter of only 23 mm can truly be called a miniature timepiece with movement most likely made before 1900. For comparison, Patek Philippe’s smallest minute repeating movement at that time was 9 lignes, Audemars Piguet’s was 9.5 lignes with the movement of the present watch estimated to be 8-9 lignes and can be considered one of the smallest minute repeating movement of the era. These ebauches were all supplied from the Vallée de Joux. To produce a minute repeating movement within such a tiny space was extremely challenging.

Originally intended for a pendant watch, the movement was only fitted in a platinum wristwatch case featuring the crown setting mechanism in the 1920s, making this watch extremely captivating.

Henry Capt (1773-1837) was a renowed Swiss watchmaker from Le Chenit, celebrated for crafting timepieces combined with musical mechanisms and automatons. After the successive departures of his partners Isaac Daniel Piguet and Aubert and Son, the company was acquired by Louis Gallopin around 1880, and subsequently renamed “Henry Capt Horloger, Maison Gallopin Successeurs”. The company also had branches in London and New York.

Henry Capt

女士鉑金三問腕錶，約1895年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."