Swiss 18 carat gold full hunter case pocket watch Circa 1925

Pocket watch with representation of the Taj Mahal
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An extremely rare gold and enamel full hunter cased watch for the Indian market with a representation of the Taj Mahal, made by Les Fils de L. Braunschweig  Election SA in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, circa 1925. The numbered case of this watch is crafted from 18 carat gold and enamel, features a fine coined rim and both sides with a fantastic enamel painting representing the Taj Mahal with the sky in engine turned enamel. The silvered dial features Arabic radial hours, an outer minutes track, a subsidiary seconds dial for the seconds at 6 o’clock and gold baton hands. The Rhodium plated bridge movement is fitted with a compensation balance, a lever escapement and is marked “Swiss Made”.
The dial is signed.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Weight: 72 g
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Signed: Election
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Les Fils de L. Braunschweig
Les Fils de L. Braunschweig (The Sons of L. Braunschweig) was the company that produced the Election brand and they were based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

The company went through several official names throughout its history:
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Braunschweig (1850’s): The earliest firm founded by Abraham Braunschweig.
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Les Fils de L. Braunschweig (1884–1916): Founded by Abraham’s grandsons, Isidore and Alphonse. The “Election” trademark was officially registered under this firm in 1901.
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Braunschweig, Fabrique d’Horlogerie Election SA (1916–1931): The name used during the brand’s peak success, including its famous 1914 Grand Prix win.
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Nouvelle Fabrique Election SA (1931–1987): Following bankruptcy in 1931, the company was reorganized under this name with funding from the Marvin Watch Company.
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Douest SA (1987): The final name before the company disappeared in the late 1980’s.

The Braunschweig family, originally from Alsace, were the driving force behind the brand for over a century. Notably, Georges Braunschweig, a member of the founding family and director, went on to co found Portescap, the manufacturer of the famous Incabloc shock protection system.