Jaeger-LeCoultre - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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Ref. E168
An exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel chronometer wristwatch with center seconds

1958
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,400-22,300
$15,100-25,200

Sold for CHF50,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019