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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pendant watch

Henry Capt Pendant Watch

Partially verified

This lady's pendant watch, numbered 19161 and made circa 1860, is attributed to the Genevan maker Henry Capt. The watch features an 18K gold case with a scalloped edge and detailed engraving on the borders, pendant, and bow. The front is decorated with translucent green guilloche enamel accented by gold flowers. The reverse case cover displays an enamel-painted scene featuring a large red and white striped flower inhabited by three putti, one of whom is drinking from a glass, set against a translucent green guilloche ground. The watch has a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and gold Breguet hands. The interior contains a hinged gold cuvette and a matte gilt bar caliber movement, which features an 8-jewel cylinder escapement, a three-arm balance, and an index regulator. The piece is signed on the dial, cuvette, and movement.

The Henry Capt pendant watch showing the enamel-painted back cover featuring three putti in a flower, with an attached chain and red stone fob.
The Henry Capt pendant watch showing the enamel-painted back cover featuring three putti in a flower, with an attached chain and red stone fob. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pendant watch
Maker / attribution
Henry Capt
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
260
Source-reported date
circa 1860
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
19161

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The watch is housed in an 18K gold four-body case characterized by its scalloped, engraved edges. The decorative scheme extends to the band, pendant, and bow, all featuring intricate metalwork. The front of the case is finished with translucent green guilloche enamel overlays and engraved gold flowers. The back cover depicts a scene of three putti within a large striped floral motif.

The dial is constructed of white enamel and displays radial Roman numerals and outer minute track divisions. The time is indicated by gold Breguet-style hands. Internally, the watch retains a hinged gold cuvette, which, alongside the dial and movement, serves as a point of signature for the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, scalloped, engraved borders, band, pendant and bow”
  • “front overlaid with translucent green guilloche enamel and engraved gold flowers”
  • “the back cover painted on enamel with a large red and white striped flower”
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions. Gold Breguet hands.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by a 12''' matte gilt, bar caliber movement. The balance is a three-arm design, paired with a blued steel flat balance spring and an index regulator for adjustments.

The movement is identified as an 8-jewel construction. According to the provided documentation, the movement is signed by Henry Capt.

Evidence for this section
  • “12''', matte gilt, bar caliber, 8 jewels, cylinder escapement”
  • “three-arm balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Dial, cuvette and movement signed.”

Condition and Attribution

The piece is attributed to Henry Capt in Geneva with an estimated production date of circa 1860. The auction description reports that the object has undergone restoration regarding the enamel work.

In terms of condition, the case is described as having some enamel chips, and the soft enamel decorations have been restored. The dial is classified as being in good condition by the auction house reporting system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Henry Capt à Genève, No. 19161. Made circa 1860.”
  • “Case: 4-25-77 Fair Chipped ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION”
  • “Restored soft enamel”

Open research questions

  • Was the enamel painting commissioned by Henry Capt or sourced from an independent workshop?
  • What is the provenance of the attached stone fob shown in the image?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Henry Capt Pendant Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHenry Capt“Henry Capt à Genève”
Serial Number19161“No. 19161”
Diameter37 mm“DIAM. 37 mm.”
Case Material18K gold“18K gold”
Movement Caliber12''' bar caliber“12''', matte gilt, bar caliber”
EscapementCylinder escapement“cylinder escapement”
Jewel Count8“8 jewels”

Visible details

  • Scalloped case edge with engraved ornamentation
  • Red and white striped flower enamel motif
  • Attached metal chain with a red stone fob
  • White enamel dial with Roman numeral indices

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports chipped enamel
  • The auction description notes the presence of restored soft enamel

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

HENRY CAPT - CUPID'S NECTAR Henry Capt à Genève, No. 19161. Made circa 1860. Fine and elegant, 18K gold and painted on enamel lady's pendant watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4e1cacc3ca

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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