Unsigned

• gilt lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, slide repeat, two hammers repeating on gongs, the back plate with polished steel chronograph work, glazed and gold cuvettes, the gold cuvette engraved specially made for H.H. The Maharaja Sirdar Singhyi Saheb Bahadur of Jodhpur • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds at 6 o'clock and 30 minute register at 12 o'clock • the front cover finely painted with a portrait of the Maharajah resplendent in lilac dress completed by a multi strand emerald, ruby and pearl necklace, his matching turban pinned with a miniature portrait of an image of another Maharajah, the reverse applied with vari-color gold and enamel armorial centered by a state flag of Jodhpur

Enamel excellent quality, and almost no surface wear, the back cover with oxidation to gold and slight loss to blue enamel stringing, not repeating and not running will require full overhaul of movement, the going is complete as it will run with some pressure applied to the train work, case of superb quality, very crisp hinges, dial appears to be unblemished.
"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."

The portrait on the present lot is that of Maharajah Sardar Singh (1880-1911) who became ruler of Jodhpur at the age of fifteen. Sardar Singh visited Europe in 1901 and is known for his involvement in extending the railway from Jodhpur to Hyderabad.

It is interesting to note that the portrait featured in the brooch pinned to Maharajah Sardar Singh's turban is likely that of Jaswant Singh II of Jodhpur (1873–1896) whom he succeeded as Maharajah of Jodhpur in 1896.

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. Of the half-dozen most esteemed artists specializing in this work, John Graff (1836-1902) rose to the top of his field.

These subjects presented a particular challenge to enamellers, as the color schemes favored by the subjects' dress were so vivid that work by less talented Western artists appeared gaudy. Graff's portraits, however, are a testament to his understanding of color, and portray the dignitaries in their intended grandeur. Furthermore, the portraits were done using often-blurry photographs sent from India as the basis, rather than seeing the subject first-hand or working from a clear likeness.

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.