122
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Ref. E168
Chronomètre Geophysic
A well-preserved stainless steel anti-magnetic chronometer wristwatch with center seconds
- Estimate
- $12,000 - 24,000
$24,130
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Year
- 1958
- Reference No
- E168
- Movement No
- 1’276’174
- Case No
- 747’727
- Model Name
- Chronomètre Geophysic
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. P478/BWSbr, 17 jewels
- Dimensions
- 35mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, and movement signed.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Chronomètre Geophysic was created in 1958 during the official International Geophysical Year, an international scientific project that lasted from July 1, 1957, to December 31, 1958, when 67 nations participated in scientific exploration of the planet’s most inhospitable and unexplored places.
Designed for explorers and scientists, the Geophysic had a Bauhaus-inspired, no-nonsense dial optimized for legibility. Its chronometer-grade movement featured a central hacking seconds hand and a Glucydur balance that would not be adversely affected by changes in temperature. The movement was further protected thanks to a soft iron anti-magnetic inner case.
The present watch is preserved in excellent condition. Its luminous hands are complemented by tiny luminous dots positioned on the rehaut, which are typically missing in most examples. The highly legible dial is free of flaws.
Designed for explorers and scientists, the Geophysic had a Bauhaus-inspired, no-nonsense dial optimized for legibility. Its chronometer-grade movement featured a central hacking seconds hand and a Glucydur balance that would not be adversely affected by changes in temperature. The movement was further protected thanks to a soft iron anti-magnetic inner case.
The present watch is preserved in excellent condition. Its luminous hands are complemented by tiny luminous dots positioned on the rehaut, which are typically missing in most examples. The highly legible dial is free of flaws.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Swiss | 1833Not 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.
Browse MakerIn 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.