Swiss

• jeweled gilt lever movement, gold cuvette with a finely painted oval polychrome enamel portrait of the young Nizam Osman Ali Khan signed LRD, chased and engraved foliate border • white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials for moon-phases combined with constant seconds and date, apertures for day and month, outer track calibrated for chronograph • case with chronograph pusher and repeating slide to the band

The movement is running, the chronograph is functioning and the repeating mechanism is operating correctly at the time of cataloguing. Calendar is advancing. Dial in good condition. Case with indentations to the band and small indentations to the covers. Light scuffs throughout. Case numbered 18543. Salesroom notice: Recent academic research suggests that the enamel may depict Salar Jung III, Prime Minister of Hyderabad and a high-ranking nobleman, rather the Nizam Osman Ali Khan as catalogued.
"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."

Toward the end of the 19th century, the Indian market became one of the most important for Swiss watchmaking firms. These pieces exhibited both the technical and artistic prowess of the makers. Much like the present example, these pieces were highly complicated, featuring calendar, chronograph and minute repeating functions, as well as highly decorative, with brilliantly executed enamel portraits of dignitaries and maharajahs.

The present model features a portrait of the Nizam Ali Khan of Hyderabad. Born in 1886, he was a young man at the time of sitting for the present portrait, making the present example particularly interesting and giving a glimpse into the youth of a man made famous on a global scale in his adulthood.

As the Seventh Nizam, he ascended into power in 1911 and reigned until 1948 when the state was merged with the Union of India. During his reign, the Nizam was regarded as the richest man in the world and had a fortune estimated at $2 billion in the early 1940s. He was a loyal ally of the British and shared vast monetary and material wealth in support of the British in WWI and WWII.

For further reading on 'Maharaja' watches and the Indian market, see the following lot.