Jaeger-LeCoultre - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
    Year: Circa 1931
    Reference No: 201
    Movement No: 222’762
    Case No: 5’284
    Model Name: Reverso
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 064, 15 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm length x 23mm width
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Jaeger-LeCoultre Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece circa 1931 and travel pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is an exceptionally rare and early example – representative of the Reverso in its most pure aesthetic format. The stainless steel case can be reversed to a back side with personalized engravings “HRW”. The dial has aged nicely over the years, retaining its vintage appeal. Most notably is the retailer signature signed “Golay Fils & Stahl Genève”. Founded in Geneva in 1837, the firm specialising in watches and jewellery has remained a family business for nearly two centuries. By the belle époque, Golay Fils & Stahl captivated an international clientele from its salons in Geneva and Paris. A similar example of a Reverso ref. 201 retailed by Golay Fils & Stahl sold at Antiquorum in 2015 was owned by General Douglas Mac Arthur, with his initials engraved on the caseback.

    In addition to the initials engraved on the present watch, the caseback is also engraved “Conférence Désarmement Genève 1932”. The World Disarmament Conference was an international conference of states held in Geneva between February 1932 and November 1934 to accomplish disarmament in accordance with the Covenant of the League of Nations. It was attended by 61 states, most of which were members of the League of Nations, but the USSR and the United States also attended. It is speculated that the present example could have been specially commissioned and made for an important attendee of the Conference.

    This highly collectible and early Reverso with a rich history is further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece circa 1931.

  • 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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915

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 201
A very rare, early and important stainless steel reversible double-signed wristwatch with black dial, engraved caseback, made for The World Disarmament Conference, retailed by Golay Fils & Stahl

Circa 1931
36mm length x 23mm width
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$30,000 - 50,000 
€3,500-5,900
$3,800-6,400

Sold for HK$139,700

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024