CHARLES FRODSHAM, LONDON | YELLOW GOLD KEYLESS WIND POCKET CHRONOMETER WITH SPRING DETENT ESCAPEMENT AND POWER RESERVE INDICATION MADE FOR THE INDIAN MARKETNO. 04794 MADE IN 1875

Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, power reserve indication at 12 and subsidiary seconds at 6 Movement: 3/4 plate, keyless wind fusée, spring detent escapement, split bi-metallic balance, blued steel helical springMovement number: 04794Case: 18ct yellow gold engine-turned hunter case stamped GAP (for George Augustus Potter, Clerkenwell), the later cuvette stamped AF but lacking date letter, painted with polychrome enamel portrait of an Indian Prince, outer case with London hallmark for 1875  Dimensions: 56.2mm diameterSigned: dial and movement Accessories: none  

DIAL: in overall good condition with no visible cracks, and some dirt and dust. CASE: overall light and general surface scatches but free from dents on the band, and overall in good condition with no major area of rubbing to the engraving. The cuvette is later added and includes a fine polychrome enamel portrait of an unidentified young Indian Prince. MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing but untested for timekeeping Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Watches made for the Indian market, known as 'Maharaja watches,' frequently made use of photographs sent from Indian dignitaries so that artists could render the portraits in enamel. These subjects presented a particular challenge to enamellers, as the portraits were done using often-blurry photographs sent from overseas as the basis, rather than seeing the subject first-hand or working from a clear likeness. The portrait included on this watch is a testament to the skill of the artists at work. For further discussion of 'Maharaja watches' and Swiss watch trade in India, see Jaquet, E., & Chapuis, A., Technique and History of the Swiss Watch, pp. 100 and 128-9, and illustrations on pl. 133.