Swiss

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 CHF

Sold

bidding is closed

Description

A RARE GOLD, ENAMEL, HUNTING CASED MINUTE REPEATING WATCH WITH NOBLE PORTRAIT, MADE FOR THE INDIAN MARKET CIRCA 1920
gold and enamel
diameter 50 mm

• gilt lever movement, cut bi-metallic balance, jewelled to the centre, two hammers striking on a gong for the repeating mechanism, gold cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer track for the minute indication, subsidiary seconds • the front cover with enamel plaque representing His Highness the Maharaja of Patiala, border surrounded by engraved floral arabesques, the band with chased and engraved leaf design, the gold back covered with the Coat of Arms of Patiala in enamel surrounded by chased and engraved floral arabesques, sliding device to the band for the repeating mechanism

Catalogue Note

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was born October 12^th, 1891. During his reign, which lasted from 1900 to 1938, he introduced many social reforms in his region. He founded the State Bank of Patiala, he was also a great patron of sports, leading famous Indian cricket and polo teams. Among his many commitments, he served on the General Staff, occupying various positions during World War I; he represented India at the League of Nations in 1925, and was a representative at the Round Table Conference.

The Maharajah of Patiala was also great patron of Cartier. In 1925 he engaged them to remodel the crown jewels of Patiala, which has been described in Nadelhofer, Cartier, Jewelers Extraordinary, "In purely quantative terms, the biggest commission of all time."