Jaeger-LeCoultre - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
    Year: Circa 2006
    Reference No: 246.6.79
    Movement No: 3'413'001
    Case No: 2'430'035
    Model Name: Reverso à éclipses "Voyages et Découvertes"
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 849, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Jaeger LeCoultre double deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 29mm Width, 39.5mm Width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Jaeger LeCoultre undated and unstamped Certificat de Garantie, Certificat d'Origine, instruction booklet, loupe, fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Possibly the very first “sports watch” ever designed, the Reverso appeared in 1931 following a patent request for a watch “capable of sliding in its support and being completely turned over” deposited in Paris on March 4, 1931 by René-Alfred Chavot. Later that year, Cesar de Trey - Swiss businessman and polo enthusiast - bought the right to the design, partnered with Jacques David LeCoultre, came up with the brand name “Reverso”, and began production of a watch which could withstand the rigours of a polo match. Thus begins the history of one of the most successful and iconic watch models ever devised.

    The aesthetics of this piece - appropriately named “Reverso à Éclipse” - completely change according to which dial the owner decides to employ.

    The metal “shutters” dial grants the piece a very modern vibe. Activating the shutters, through a dedicated wheel on the side of the case at 2 o'clock, the wearer is granted the view of a sublime miniature recreation depicting The Silk Road. A hidden treasure beneath the dial and a true testament of refinement and unparalleled craftsmanship from Jaeger LeCoultre the finishing of the dial can be seen to carry a flinqué and miniature enamelling technique. The switch between these two souls happens smoothly rendering the present timepiece a truly mesmerising and multi-faceted watch. The fact that such a masterpiece not only is offered in virtually unworn condition and with its full set of accessories and documents, but also is part of an extremely rarified production of only three pieces - of which this one is numbered 1/3 - renders it one of the most collectible examples of Reverso to grace and auction room. A final layer of appeal is furthermore granted by the fact that it is offered by its original owner: a perfect storm for the connoisseur of fine and rare watches.

    Please note that the proceeds of the present timepiece will be donated by the consignor to various charities.

  • 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.

    View More Works

149

Ref. 246.6.79
An outstandingly rare, extremely refined and highly impressive platinum wristwatch with miniature enamel dial depicting The Silk Road, second disappearing dial, certificate and box, number 1 of a 3-piece limited edition, with proceeds going to charity

Circa 2006
29mm Width, 39.5mm Width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€15,300-30,700
$16,500-33,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024