Jaeger-LeCoultre - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE Hong Kong Monday, November 27, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
    Year: Circa 1940
    Movement No: 74'112
    Case No: 25'050
    Model Name: Reverso
    Material: Stainless steel
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown crocodile strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38 x23mm
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Within the world of horology there are models, which transcend time and over the course of 50-60-70 years are as classic today as they were when first introduced. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso wristwatch is one example. Originally designed and released in the 1930s, the model has been reintroduced through the decades in many variations and complications, but the overall DNA remains with its double sided case. Original produced for British officers on the subcontinent, who found their watches were damaged during Polo matches, Jaeger-LeCoultre developed this modern sport watch so riders could ‘reverse’ their watch and protect the dial.

    The present watch is a lovely early example, and representative of the model in its most pure aesthetic format. The stainless steel case can be reversed to an unembellished back. The dial has aged nicely over the years, and the lume plots along with the hands have aged to a warm sandy brown tone. While today’s collectors seek large and oversized watches, this Reverso is an excellent example and reminder of a long and prestigious past.

  • 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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Σ950

An early and rare stainless steel reverso wristwatch

Circa 1940
38 x23mm
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$32,000 - 47,000 
€3,500-5,100
$4,000-6,000

Sold for HK$62,500

Contact Specialist
Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
yong.ho@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2017