Few American’s are familiar with the story of ruler Shah Jahan (priorly known as Prince Khurram) and his wife Mumtaz Mahal (having the real name Arjumand Banu Begum). The story took place in the the late to early 16th century in India, whereby Shah Jahan was the ruler of the Mughal empire in India at the time and enjoyed one of the most famous relationships in history. Shah Jahan took his young wife at her age of 14. Mumtaz Mahal went on to bear him 13 children. Even while traveling with him during his pursuits as ruler. While polygamy was common at the time, history shows that Shah Jahan had little interest in taking wives other than Mumtaz Mahal. She was Shah Jahan’s third wife. Mumtaz Mahal was undoubtedly the love of Shah Jahan’s life. When she died, the most famous structure in India was built as a monument and burial place.
It took about 23 years to complete the Taj Mahal after her death. Her body was eventually moved to the Taj Mahal from where it was kept for 23 year in wait. Today, the Taj Mahal is the ultimate testament to love and easily the most famous landmark in modern India. It was completed in 1653. While the new Angular Momentum Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal watch does not display the Taj Mahal, lovers of the watch will know precisely what the outcome of the close relationship between the two lovers was.
One the front of the watch is a miniature reserve sapphire Verre Èglomisé enamel hand painting of Mumtaz Mahal in traditional Indian style, while the rear of the case has a similarly styled hand painting of Shah Jahan also on a the rear of a sapphire crystal. Time is told through the cut-out window on the dial of the watch by looking at the revolving hour disc. Watch case is approx. 41mm wide and in steel shaped as the Angular Momentum Time Gallery case with serti en pave diamond decoration (1.42 carats) on the lugs and bezel. The movement is a mechanical automatic, and the case is attached to a black alligator strap. The Angular Momentum Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal watch will come in a limited edition of just 5 pieces – and each one will take a long time to make given the finely detailed artistry of the two painted dials. Though, not nearly as long as the Taj Mahal took to complete.
By Ariel Adams
