• cal. 18''' gilt 3/4 plate manual winding lateral English lever escapement movement, cut bi-metallic compensation balance with peripheral timing screws and blued Breguet balance spring with terminal curb • 18k yellow gold cuvette with Swiss hallmarks • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, outer minute track • 18k yellow gold hunting case, polished back, front cover with a finely painted Indian Maharaja with a crown and feather, bordered by blue enamel and gold scrolls with diamonds at the quarters • movement signed

For further discussion of 'Maharaja watches' and Swiss watch trade in India, see Jaquet, E., & Chapuis, A., Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, pp. 100 and 128-9, and illustrations on pl. 133.

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case in very good condition with light scratches to the case overall. Enamel portrait is in very good condition with light surface scratches and a light scratch to the top left of the figure's crown. Chip to the border enamel at the bottom and repairs to the left and right. Dial in very good condition with no apparent hairlines or cracks.
"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."

Watches made for the Indian market, known as 'Maharaja watches,' frequently made use of photographs sent from Indian dignitaries so that artists in Geneva could render the portraits in enamel.