Important Watches, Wristwatches and c...

Geneva, Apr 20, 1996

LOT 222

Unsigned, Swiss, No. 2598, enamel by John Graff, made for the Indian Market, circa 1885. Extremely fine 18 ct. gold and enamel, hunting cased, diamond and emerald set, keyless minute repeating, Grande and Petite Sonnerie clockwatch made for H.H. Maharao Keshri Singh KCSJ of Sirohi.

CHF 75,000 - 85,000

C . Four body, massive "bassine et filets, the band and bow with chased decoration, the cover with an extremely fine painted enamel portrait of Maharao Keshri Singh in period costume and wearing a diamond and emerald inlaid collar, the enamel signed J. Graff, outer chased decoration, back with the diamond inlaid monogram "K.S." and outer decoration matching that of the cover. Hinged gold cuvette, engraved: Especially made for H.H. Maharao Keshri Single KCSJ of Sirohi. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "pear" hands. M. 20"', gilt brass double train with differential winding, counterpoised straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring. Striking on gongs, repeating with slide in the band, Grande/Petite Sonnerie, Strike/Silent levers on the bezel border. In very good condition. Diam. 60 mm.


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Maharaja Keshri Singh of Sirohi, born in 1857, ruled from 1875 to 1892, when he abdicated. John Graff, 1836-1906, a highly regarded Swiss portrait enamelist, executed work for the noble families of Europe as well as for clients in India and China. His work is always of the highest quality as seen in the present watch. One of the main characteristics of his style is to represent the figures with diamond and gem inlaid jewellery. He was usually working in collaboration with J. Ferrero, the jeweller and case maker who probably was the maker of this case. J. Ferrero. Case maker jeweller, he also was an able engraver and enameller. Settled in Geneva, 19, rue du Rhone in 1854. Highest award at the Chicago Exposition Unuverselle in 1893 and gold medal at the Exposition Nationale de Geneve in 1896. He was member of the Jury at the Exposition Universelle de Paris, in 1900. He was specialised in the very expensive enamelled, diamond and gem set watch cases for the Chinese and the Indian markets. His cases made for the Indian Market, were often decorated with enamel portraits by John Graff, the celebrated enamel painter.