The Chronometre Geophysic was created in 1958 during the official International Geophysical Year, an international scientific project that lasted from July 1st, 1957 to December 31st, 1958. 67 nations participated in scientific exploration of our planet’s most inhospitable and unexplored places. It also marked the end of a long period during the Cold War when scientific interchange between the East and West had been seriously interrupted.

Destined for explorers and scientists, the Geophysic had a pure no-frills dial optimized for the reading of time. Its chronometer movement (something quite rare for the brand at the time) featured a central hacking seconds hand, a special adjustment system for ease of regulation, as well as a Glucydur balance that would not be adversely affected by the changes in temperature. The movement was further protected thanks to a soft iron anti magnetic inner case, and was thus resistant to 600 Gauss – perfect for the research scientists working on polar bases, in laboratories and inside submarines. Accordingly, in the summer of 1958, the citizens of Geneva gifted Geophysics to the captains of the SS Skate (Calvert) and Nautilus (Anderson) to commemorate their accomplishment of traversing the North Pole in their submarines. Scholarship suggests that slightly over 1000 Geophysic models were made.

The present lot made in 1958 is in excellent condition, with a pure dial, well preserved enamel medallion on the caseback and original Jaeger LeCoultre buckle. It is offered with Jaeger LeCoulte brochure, price list from 1958 as well as super rare and original 'Jaeger LeCoultre Sputnick' presentation case.

While Jaeger LeCoultre launched a “Tribute to the Geophysic” in 2014, the original Reference E 168 remains one of the most coveted chronometer timepieces for discerning collectors.