H.R. Ekegren

* damascened nickel lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, swan's neck regulator, gold cuvette * white enamel dial, two vertical subsidiary dials for date and constant seconds, painted enamel portraits of a lady and a gentleman * front and back lids with vari-colored gold monogram and date, secret inner lid with painted polychrome enamel portrait of Ehret family signed J. Graff * movement signed by maker, case numbered

The movement is running, chronograph is functioning and repeat is operating, however it might need service soon. The gold cuvette is engraved with the names of all the family members as well as 'Unserm Lieben Vater zu seinem Fünfziesten geburtstage von senen Kindern April den 6ten 1885'. The dial appears to be in nice condition with no hairlines. The case is in very nice condition overall. It is numbered 18637. There are some areas of light rubbing, however these are small. The hinges are nice and tight. The outside of the front lid is engraved in white and yellow gold 'GE' and to the back lid '1885'. The hidden inner lid with enamel portrait is activated by a spring that is in nice condition. The portrait appears to be in very good condition with no chips, hairlines or cracks. Overall this is a very nice watch in very good condition. The watch is accompanied by a wooden box from Tiffany & Co., Geneva as well as a photocopy of the biographical entry for George Ehret from the "Encyclopedia of Contemporary Biography of New York, Vol. IV, 1885'.
"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 present lot was customized for George Ehret, a German-born beer brewer in New York City in the late-19th and early-20th Centuries. He was known for his scientific attention to detail and high quality product. His Hell Gate Brewery in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan made him a millionaire after he became one of the first brewers to introduce lager beer to the American market.

This watch was given to Ehret on his 50th birthday by his wife and nine living children. The exquisite portrait of all the family members by J. Graff, as well as the portraits of Ehret and his wife on the dial show the wealth and high character of the family.

John Graff (1836-1902) created portraits in enamel of such high quality and resemblance to their subject that his work was world-renowned around the globe. He received commissions from Indian maharajas, European nobility and American industrialists, among others. Because of his mastery in the field, John Graff's signature on watches and snuff boxes became highly sought-after during his lifetime and continues to command a premium among collectors of enamel works. 

For images of watches with J. Graff's enamel portraits, see Jaquet, E. & Chapuis, A., Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, pl. 133, and for a discussion of his work, see p. 100 of the same text.