Jaeger-LeCoultre - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
    Year: 1960
    Reference No: E857
    Movement No: 1’300’339
    Case No: 793’691
    Model Name: Deep Sea Alarm
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, P815, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel LeCoultre bracelet, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel LeCoultre folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by blank LeCoultre hangtag guarantee, and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    For their very first dive watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre sought to create an innovative watch that stood out from the competition. The Deep Sea Alarm Automatic focused not on a rotating bezel to determine dive time, but incorporated the “Memovox” – the brand’s famous alarm – to notify the diver when it was time to return to the surface. For its unique set of features, rarity, and superb aesthetics, the Deep Sea Alarm Automatic reference E857 is one of the most iconic of these early dive watches. Launched in 1959, the Deep Sea Alarm Automatic was produced in two versions, one with only the LeCoultre name on the dial for the American market; the other with the full Jaeger-LeCoultre name, sold in the European market. Both were made in a total of less than 1000 examples. The reference E857 was discontinued in 1962, and was followed by the Memovox Polaris, a larger, next generation dive watch. The present example, made in 1960, is in pristine, virtually unworn condition. Its flawless dial, perfectly preserved case back engravings, and original bracelet attest to the exceptional condition of this watch. Further enhancing its appeal is the presence of its original hangtag guarantee and fitted presentation box. While Jaeger LeCoultre launched a “Tribute to Deep Sea Alarm” in 2011, the original Reference E857 remains one of the most sought after vintage JLC timepieces. This lot is, in our view, the finest example of this legendary reference ever appearing on the market.

  • Artist Biography

    Jaeger-LeCoultre

    Swiss • 1833

    Not all companies in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger LeCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker." Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named LeCoutre, the firm provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished mechanical movements with which they completed their watches.

    In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.

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Ref. E857
A rare, attractive, and exceptionally preserved stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, alarm, bracelet, hangtag guarantee and presentation box.

1960
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
39mm diameter

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF48,700-97,400
€42,600-85,200
HK$390,000-781,000

Sold for $100,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017