Lot 33
  • 33

Swiss

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description

  • AN 18K YELLOW GOLD HALF HUNTING CASED PERPETUAL CALENDAR MINUTE REPEATING CHRONOGRAPH CLOCK WATCH MADE FOR THE INDIAN MARKET, PRESENTED BY H.H. THE NIZAM, G.C.S.I TO MAULVI AHMED HUSSAIN, C.S.ICIRCA 1900
  • 18k gold
  • diameter 56 mm
• gilt three quarter plate movement signed by the retailer P. Orr & Sons. Madras, screwed jeweled chatons, two polished steel hammers striking on coiled gongs • gold cuvette with inscription • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary dials for day, month in English combined with leap year indication, date and constant seconds combined with moon-phases • polished case, glazed aperture with blue enamel Roman numerals, engraved crest to the rear cover, levers for strike/silent and hours/quarter beneath the bezel

Condition

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing however the winding is very stiff. The grande and petite sonnerie mechanism is operating however it is not striking the correct time and will require servicing. The dial is in good condition. Case is worn with some light scuffs. The cuvette is engraved 'Presented by H.H. The Nizam, G.C.S.I to Maulvi Ahmed Hussain, C.S.I, Hyderabad D. 12th June 1912. The motto to the engraved crest reads, 'Be just & fear not'. Replaced pink gold bow.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

The present lot was presented by Mir Osman Ali Khan (1886-1967), the Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, to a loyal subject, Maulvi Ahmed Hussain. The Nizams were the ruling family of the princely state of Hyderabad and accumulated vast wealth after retaining power since 1719. The Seventh Nizam ascended into power in 1911 and reigned until 1948 when the state was merged with the Union of India. During his reign, the Nizam was regarded as the richest man in the world and had a fortune estimated at $2 billion in the early 1940s. He was loyal ally of the British and shared vast monetary and material wealth in support of the British in WWI and WWII.

The Nizam was a collector of monumental proportions and accumulated over 200 Rolls Royce cars, an endless list of important diamonds including the 184.5 Jacob Diamond, and understood the importance of giving a superlative watch as a gift. The retailer who sold this watch to the Nizam was P. Orr & Sons, Madras, the leading watch and jewelry retailer in the region.