James McCabe, London

• gilt three quarter plate lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, slide repeat, repeating on gongs, gold cuvette • silver dial center engraved with foliate scrolls, chapter ring with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • the front panel painted with a portrait of an Indian dignitary in green brocade robe, bordered by maroon and white geometric motif, the reverse with polychrome enamel armorials and a motto reading Industry and Liberality • the pendant set with a round-cut diamond • movement and cuvette signed • the cuvette stamped with English London gold marks and casemaker's stamp AS for Alfred Stram.

Chip to enamel on armorial side, just below the motto right of 6 o'clock position, to the left slight restoration to the blue visible, seems to have been an old repair that flaked, the reverse border with slight chip to enamel to the right of 6 o'clock.
"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 two enamel miniature portraits featured on the outer casing of the present lot are of two wealthy Parsi merchants (presumably related) dressed in traditional Parsi wedding attire. 

A Parsi (or Parsee) refers a member of a small ethnic community of Persian descent that have resided in India since fleeing persecution by the Muslim invaders of Persia in the 8th and 10th centuries.  The Parsis settled in and around Bombay, where many became very successful merchants.