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Lot Essay
Fresh to the market, the present watch is one of the exceptionally rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic models in a gold case, the majority of the model being cased in stainless steel. Only three pieces in 18k gold, including this watch, are known publicly to date, one being offered in the Christie’s November 2017 Geneva auction, and one other example in a 9k gold case.
To match the model that would resist any type of challenge, in particular water-resistance, anti-magnetism, adjustment, etc., the name Geophysic Chronometer was suggested, also as it perfectly met the criteria and values of the International Geophysical Year (IGY). This particularly significant scientific event was organized on the initiative of the United States and took place at the high point of solar activity, from 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958.
The models were fitted with Jaeger-LeCoultre's first chronometer movement, the calibre P478/BWSBR developed in 1957, new water-resistant cases with soft iron domes to protect the movement from magnetic field influence up to 600 gauss, thus meeting the needs of research scientists working on polar bases, in laboratories or inside submarines. The precision, robustness and reliability of the Geophysic Chronometer made it a symbol of excellence and the logical choice when Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to revive the Geophysic tradition in 2009.
Proving the current owner’s fascination with exceptionally fine calibres, they went to the effort of having a bespoke exhibition back made, while safely storing the original numbered back, which has now been fitted to the watch and the exhibition back supplied as an accessory should the new owner wish to fit it.
To match the model that would resist any type of challenge, in particular water-resistance, anti-magnetism, adjustment, etc., the name Geophysic Chronometer was suggested, also as it perfectly met the criteria and values of the International Geophysical Year (IGY). This particularly significant scientific event was organized on the initiative of the United States and took place at the high point of solar activity, from 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958.
The models were fitted with Jaeger-LeCoultre's first chronometer movement, the calibre P478/BWSBR developed in 1957, new water-resistant cases with soft iron domes to protect the movement from magnetic field influence up to 600 gauss, thus meeting the needs of research scientists working on polar bases, in laboratories or inside submarines. The precision, robustness and reliability of the Geophysic Chronometer made it a symbol of excellence and the logical choice when Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to revive the Geophysic tradition in 2009.
Proving the current owner’s fascination with exceptionally fine calibres, they went to the effort of having a bespoke exhibition back made, while safely storing the original numbered back, which has now been fitted to the watch and the exhibition back supplied as an accessory should the new owner wish to fit it.