Nicole Nielsen & Co Minute Repeater "Maharaja Bhavsinhji II" a rare, lavishly enameled pocket watch

A rare, enameled minute repeater
gentleman's hunter case pocket watch
Nicole Nielsen & Co
14 Soho Squere, London
"Maharaja Bhavsinhji II"
date of manufacture approx. 1900

Probably this enamel hunter case pocket watch was made for Colonel Maharaja Raol Sir Shri Bhavsinhji II Takhtsinhji, KCSI - a Maharaja from the Gohil dynasty, who ruled the state of Bhavnagar in western India from 1896 to 1919. The front of the case shows an elaborate enameled portrait of Maharaja Bhavsinhji II, on the back side is an enameled coat of arms with the motto "Manushya Yatna Ishwara Kripa" - "Man’s Endeavour, God’s Grace". These words illustrate that all of human endeavour, which is bestowed only through divine grace, is separated from its reward. The Maharaja took a personal interest in the development and continuance of the arts in his native region. He had a great fondness for everything made of silver, his personal taste being described as rather restrained. He had the magnificent landau made for him by the carriage factory in Bombay with ornaments of silver and enamel, the carriage was an absolute masterpiece of amazing quality and beauty. It remained in the possession of the Maharaja's family until 1968 and was driven on feast days and family weddings.

Details of the watch
Dial
enamel dial
radial Roman numerals
sunk auxiliary seconds
blued Spade hands
signed
very good condition

Movement
gilt
rhodium-plated
2 hammers
2 gongs
governor for repetition
screw balance
fine adjusting device
ruby endstone on balance
The movement is is fully functional and running very well.

Case
0,935 silver case
silver dome
both sides lavisly enameled and chased
diameter: approx. 50mm without pendant
total weight of the watch approx. 88.9 grams
pusher for repetition at "6"
very good condition with age traces of use
The watch is fully functional, is running very well and is in a good total condition.