Swiss

• nickel lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, wolf's-tooth winding, gold cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • the front panel centered by a polychrome enamel with a portrait of Naser al-Din Shah of Persia within an architectural setting, the surround overlaid with translucent green enamel over engine-turned ground, with foliate and ribbon engraved border set with rose-cut diamonds, the reverse with the Lion and Sun crest of Persia, the surround further set with translucent green enamel and gold engraved foliate and ribbon border

Accompanied by a fob and seal. The enamel portrait is complete and with abrasions to enamel surface, the green enamel on edges of both lids with minor enamel losses. The rose-cut diamond border with some losses to the stones. The central panel on the reverse lid also with surface abrasions but intact. Both enamel central panels are of the highest quality. The enamel portrait is very much in the style of Graff. The hinge on the front lid is tired, and there are pinpoint dents to bezel. The dial with multiple hairlines. The movement is not running, but will only require an overhaul.
"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 watch is that of Naser al-Din Shah of Persia. During his reign from 1846-1898, he became the first leader of his country to visit Europe. On the second of his three tours of Europe in 1873, he recorded his travels in a diary which was later translated several languages. During that trip, Queen Victoria appointed him a Knight of the Order of the Garter.

He was particularly interested in both the technology and paintings he saw in Europe. The present lot combines those interests seamlessly. It features his portrait in finely painted polychrome enamel to the front, and the Persian Lion and Sun crest to the reverse. This piece was likely commissioned as a gift to his hosts during his travels.