A tool watch in its own right, the Chronometre 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 where 67 nations participated in scientific exploration of our planet’s most inhospitable and unexplored places. It also marked the end of a long period during the Cold War when scientific interchange between the East and West had been seriously interrupted.
Destined for explorers and scientists, the Geophysic had a Bauhaus-inspired, no-nonsense dial optimized for the reading of time. Its chronometer movement (something quite rare for the brand at the time) featured a central hacking seconds hand, a special adjustment system for ease of regulation, as well as a Glucydur balance that would not be adversely affected by the changes in temperature. The movement was further protected thanks to a soft iron anti magnetic inner case, and was thus resistant to 600 Gauss – perfect for the research scientists working on polar bases, in laboratories, and inside submarines. Accordingly, in the summer of 1958, the citizens of Geneva gifted Geophysics to the captains of the SS Skate (Calvert) and Nautilus (Anderson) to commemorate their accomplishment of traversing the North Pole in their submarines. Scholarship suggests that slightly over 1000 Geophysic models were made.
The present lot made in 1958 comes from the family of the original owner, and is in pristine condition - worn very rarely and with great care for special occasions only. Its flawless dial, perfectly preserved enamel medallion on the caseback, and original Jaeger LeCoultre buckle, attest to the exceptional condition of this watch. It is as if it left the factory yesterday. While Jaeger LeCoultre launched a “Tribute to the Geophysic” in 2014, the original Reference E 168 remains one of the most coveted chronometer timepieces for discerning collectors. The present lot is, in our view, the finest example of this legendary reference ever appearing on the market.