91
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Ref. E168
Chronometre Geophysic
An exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel chronometer wristwatch with center seconds
- Estimate
- CHF15,000 - 25,000€13,400 - 22,300$15,100 - 25,200
CHF50,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Year
- 1958
- Reference No
- E168
- Movement No
- 1'331'979
- Case No
- 748'201
- Model Name
- Chronometre Geophysic
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. P478BWSbr, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Original stainless steel Jaeger LeCoultre pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 35mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Jaeger-LeCoultre Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1958.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Possibly one of the finest stainless steel Geophysics to ever appear on the auction market, the present watch was originally consigned by the family of the original owner when it first appeared at auction. Offered in unpolished condition, it most notably features a beautiful enamel medallion on the caseback along with an original Jaeger LeCoultre buckle, attesting to its appealing condition. Furthermore, all the luminous dots are present in the rehaut, showing the little, if any wear the watch has seen throughout its lifetime.
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.
Scholarship suggests that no more than 1000 examples of the Geophysic model were ever produced.
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.
Scholarship suggests that no more than 1000 examples of the Geophysic model were ever produced.
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.