Jaeger-LeCoultre - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: E168
    Movement No: 1'331'623
    Case No: 747'465
    Model Name: Geophysic Chronometer
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 478BWSbr, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Jaeger-LeCoultre Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1958.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Housing Jaeger-LeCoultre's most prestigious chronometer movement available at the time, the Geophysic was made to withstand the elements. Launched in 1958, it was in production for one short year only. The model was made to celebrate two events. While its launch commemorated the 125th anniversary of the manufacture, it also marked the very first International Geophysical Year. The Geophysic perfectly embodied the values of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) due to its antimagnetic, antishock and waterproof abilities. While most examples were cased in stainless steel, very limited numbers were dressed in pink or yellow gold as a luxurious alternative to its more casual counterpart.

    The present watch is one among an exceedingly small number of known examples cased in pink gold. Preserved in honest and remarkable condition, this robust tool watch has survived gracefully throughout the past sixty years. Not only are all the luminous dots intact in the réhaut, the watch also displays a crisp and deep hallmark between the lugs. A true "barn find", it was bought by the consignor from the original owner in Africa.

  • 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. E168
An extremely rare and attractive pink gold chronometer wristwatch with center seconds

1958
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€8,800-13,200
$10,200-15,400

Sold for CHF21,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018