Details
Image(s)
TitlePocket Watch with Quarter Repeater and Stagged Comb Movement
Creator Henri Daniel Capt (speelwerk)
PlaceGeneva (Switzerland)
Year ca 1815
Object number1387
Object nametimepiece with playing comb, pocket watch
DescriptionThe watch is driven by springs. The 1-day movement has three parts: a going movement with cylinder, a repeating movement and a playing movement. The musical movement and going train are wound on the back by means of a separate key. After pressing the pendant, the repeating movement plays back the approximate time of day on gong rods. First the whole hours sound with a single strike, followed by the quarters with a double strike. The latter, unfortunately, no longer works. The watch plays music on command by sliding down the slider on the right side. The hands can be moved using a watch key on the back. The white enamel dial features a minute ring and an hour display with Arabic numerals. At the back of the enamel dial the counter enamel is damaged at one dial leg, and at the front the plate has also been repaired between the numerals five and six. The hour and minute hands are blued steel.
Accompanying textsThe cylinder musical movement has one tune noted on the spring barrel. However, this tune is currently unidentified. The eight teeth of the comb are screwed on individually. This type of playing work, in which the spring barrel performs a dual function, is called "Musique à Barillet.
The watch bears markings from the workshops of two different firms. On the inside lid of the case is the signature T. A. Hurlin Bayonne, and on the outside of the case ring is the signature of H. Capt a Geneva. The former was most likely responsible for the watch case, and the latter for the inner workings of the watch. The Henri Capt firm was one of the better-known watch businesses operating in Geneva, which was an important centre for this industry. Thus, the very first watchmakers' guild in the world was founded here in 1601. One of the most fascinating things about the production of watches in Switzerland was how their production structures early on relied on an extreme division of labor for the various specialties needed to put together a watch.
The watch bears markings from the workshops of two different firms. On the inside lid of the case is the signature T. A. Hurlin Bayonne, and on the outside of the case ring is the signature of H. Capt a Geneva. The former was most likely responsible for the watch case, and the latter for the inner workings of the watch. The Henri Capt firm was one of the better-known watch businesses operating in Geneva, which was an important centre for this industry. Thus, the very first watchmakers' guild in the world was founded here in 1601. One of the most fascinating things about the production of watches in Switzerland was how their production structures early on relied on an extreme division of labor for the various specialties needed to put together a watch.
Dimensions
geheel length: 8.2 cm
geheel diameter: 5.5 cm
geheel diameter: 5.5 cm
Digital references