Bidspirit auction | Princely State of Bahawalpur Royal

Princely State of Bahawalpur Royal Portrait Pocket Watch by West & Co. Bombay-Calcutta, Indian. - This rare and historically important pocket watch is associated with Muhammad Khan Abbasi V Bahadur, the Nawab and ruler of the former Princely State of Bahawalpur. The Swiss-made West & Co. Bombay-Calcutta ”Matchless” timepiece features a classic white porcelain enamel dial with bold Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register, exemplifying the firm's renowned precision and quality. The reverse is beautifully decorated with a hand-painted portrait of the Nawab in traditional royal attire, wearing an ornate turban and jeweled necklace, reflecting the prestige and elegance of the Bahawalpur court. Combining fine Swiss horology with a unique royal portrait, this watch stands as an exceptional piece of princely Indian history, illustrating the close appreciation of European luxury craftsmanship among South Asia's ruling elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 6 cm H x 6 cm DIA