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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch

Henry Capt Yellow Gold and Enamel Hunter-Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is a Henry Capt hunter-case pocket watch dating to circa 1890, offered in Christie's Geneva Edit sale as lot 231. The yellow gold case measures 35.67 mm in diameter and features decorative enamel ornamentation, including a scrolling black enamel floral border surrounding an oval light blue enamel central medallion bearing an elaborate calligraphic monogram. According to the auction catalogue, the watch houses a manual-wind keyless movement with time-only functions and an original white enamel dial.

Front closed cover of the Henry Capt hunter-case pocket watch showing gold and enamel ornamentation
Front closed cover of the Henry Capt hunter-case pocket watch showing gold and enamel ornamentation — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter-case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Henry Capt
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
231
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Country
Not established

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 Construction and Ornamentation

The timepiece is housed in a yellow gold and enamel hunter-case measuring 35.67 mm in diameter.

The exterior cover features decorative enamel work, including a black enamel ground. A small lip or release slide is visible on the case rim adjacent to the pendant.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold and enamel”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 35.67 mm.”
  • “Black enamel to the outside partly repaired and partly missing.”

Dial and Movement Details

The watch contains a white enamel dial, described as original but slightly dirty with a small repair to the center. It houses a manual-wind, keyless time-only movement.

The movement was reported to be ticking at the time of cataloging, with a note that service is required due to extended non-use.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: White enamel”
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual, keyless”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Time only”
  • “Original. Slightly dirty and small repair to the centre.”
  • “The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing, but a service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time.”

Condition and Attribution

The watch is attributed to the maker Henry Capt with an approximate date of 1890. The case is described as being in generally very good overall condition with slight surface wear.

Internal covers are noted to bear hallmarks and numbering, though these details are not visible in the provided records.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA: 1890”
  • “Case: In generally very good overall condition, very slight surface wear.”
  • “Hallmarks and numbers to the inside cover.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific digits of the serial number and the content of the hallmarks located on the inside cover?
  • What is the full extent of the repair on the center of the dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Henry Capt Yellow Gold and Enamel Hunter-Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Circa1890“CIRCA: 1890”
Case MaterialYellow gold and enamel“CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold and enamel”
Case Diameter35.67 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 35.67 mm.”
DialWhite enamel“DIAL: White enamel”
MovementManual, keyless“MOVEMENT: Manual, keyless”
FunctionsTime only“FUNCTIONS: Time only”
MakerHenry Capt“HENRY CAPT”

Visible details

  • A central oval light blue enamel medallion is painted with a black calligraphic monogram.
  • The outer border features intricate gold floral motifs set against a black enamel ground.
  • A round fluted winding crown is positioned within a circular bow at 12 o'clock.
  • A small lip or release slide is visible on the case rim adjacent to the pendant.

Research qualifications

  • The watch case is closed, leaving the dial and movement obscured in this image.
  • The auction condition report notes partial loss and repair to the exterior black enamel.

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

Consulted source

HENRY CAPT, YELLOW GOLD AND ENAMEL HUNTER-CASE POCKET WATCH, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b6f574fa47

Terms in this record

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

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