Opal and diamond watch pendant, 'About Time', Grima, 1970s

The manual winding watch with plain dial and tapered hands behind a pear-shaped polished opal, within a surround of triangular diamonds, to a rectangular-linked chain, length approximately 617mm, signed Grima, numbered, maker's marks for Andrew Grima and Omega, British hallmarks.

Please note that this watch was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Manual winding movement, working at the time of cataloguing. British hallmark for 18 carat white gold, 1973 on chain near clasp. Marked 0.950PLAT and PLAT for platinum on watch back. Watch back signed Grima, AG Ltd and Omega logo, and numbered 6693. Chain with additional AG Ltd sponsor mark for Andrew Grima. Opal of grey body colour, transparent, with predominantly orangey pink, blue and green play of colour, crazing throughout. Diamonds bright and lively, estimated to be K-L colour, SI clarity on average, estimated total diamond weight approximately 12.00 - 14.00 carats. Scratches to metal and opal surface consistent with age and wear. Pendant measuring approximately 66 x 49mm. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
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."

This unusual pendant watch forms part of the ‘About Time’ collection, a collaboration between Andrew Grima (1921-2007) and Omega.

Andrew Grima’s innovative and adventurous jewellery designs won him prestigious commissions from patrons such as Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, and numerous awards including a royal warrant and thirteen De Beers Diamond International awards. Based at his showroom on Jermyn Street in Mayfair, Grima’s profile had grown internationally throughout the 1960s, and in 1969 he attracted the attention of the Swiss watch brand Omega. Intrigued by Grima’s bold and visionary approach to jewellery design, Omega commissioned a collection of watches to be exhibited around the world. Launching in 1970 at the Goldsmith’s Hall in London, the collection consisted of 85 pieces under the title ‘About Time’. Each of the watches was set with a gemstone in place of a watch glass, allowing the owner to view the time through the stone. Each also represented a new challenge for Grima, to integrate the watch movement into his designs in a variety of new and inventive ways. The present pendant watch exemplifies Grima’s achievements in this seminal collection. The juxtaposition of the amorphous and organic qualities of the opal with the clarity and sharpness of the triangular diamonds that surround it amply demonstrates the flair for texture and the unique understanding of materials that have earned Grima such enduring acclaim.