Swiss

• highly jeweled nickel lever movement, some jewels carried in screwed gold chatons • white enamel dial with hairlines, Roman numerals, four subsidiary dials indicating month combined with leap year indication, date, subsidiary seconds combined with aperture for moon-phases, and day in English, outer tracking calibrated for 300 units • substantial and finely engraved hunting case depicting a stallion encircled by a horse-shoe and reins, further bordered by foliate and geometric motifs, the reverse similarly engraved • movement signed, case numbered

A very impressive piece. The movement is running and the striking is in phase at the time of cataloguing, however it may require an adjustment in the future as the chronograph does 'stick' from time to time and would require service to function with consistency. The catalogue photograph accurately depicts the condition of the dial, which does show hairline cracks to the subsidiary dials and at 6:30, and a chip between 10 and 20 of the seconds dial. The case with excellent definition throughout, some light scuffs from age but the engraving is beautifully executed and the detail is well preserved.
"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 is an exceptional testament to horological complexity and provenance. The present owner’s research within the Bombay horological community uncovered that two such watches with identical complications were known locally. The second piece was believed to have been made as a commission for the Nizam of Hyderabad, and was later acquired by an accomplished Indian industrialist, the owner of an international conglomerate. This legend seems highly likely, when considering the Nizam's noted affinity for Swiss watches of the highest quality as well as his passion for racehorses.

In April 2011, Sotheby's sold a perpetual calendar chronograph clockwatch, the same complications featured in the present lot, with a presentation engraving by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Among his investments in fine automobiles, jewelry and watches, he was also the owner of hundreds of racehorses. In 1868, his father opened Hyderabad Race Club, today one of the most famed race tracks of India. The most distinguished elite of India today continue in their noble pursuit of racing thoroughbred horses.

Watches made for the Indian market are discussed in detail in Jaquet, E. & Chapuis, A., Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, pp. 100, 128-9. The authors write "The movements of these [Indian market] watches had every conceivable complication. Men's watches for wealthy clients of this country were always minute repeaters, and other special features were often added to this."

The present lot is attributed to Louise-Elisée Piguet (1836-1924) was an accomplished watchmaker in Le Brassus, impressing the horological community with his work on complicated movements from the young age of 17.