Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Feb 26, 2012

LOT 179

JAEGER LECOULTRE REVERSO GYROTOURBILLON 2, WHITE GOLD, NO.02/20. Jaeger-LeCoultre, Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2, No. 2/20, case No. 2667021, Ref. 247.3.07. Made in a limited edition of 20 sets in white gold. Sold on December 18th, 2009. Complicated and extremely rare, large, rectangular, reversible 18K white gold wristwatch with visible Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 174 with inclined two-cage multi-axis spherical tourbillon, 50 hour power reserve and 24-hour indication, ?1000 Hours Control,? and an 18K white gold Jaeger-LeCoultre double deployant clasp. Accompanied by the original fitted box, guarantee certificate, instruction booklet and Magnifying Glass.

HKD 1,400,000 - 1,700,000

USD 180,000 - 220,000 / EUR 140,000 - 170,000

Sold: HKD 1,820,000

C. Five-body, solid, polished, reeded bezel, transparent case back, sliding lock in the band at 4, sapphire crystals. D. Transparent off-center sapphire grey ring dial with painted white radial Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary 24-hour silver ring dial at 9, the lower half with aperture to view the Gyrotourbillon, sector for the 50-hour power-reserve indication on the reverse side. White gold epee hands. M. Cal. 174, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes and hounds-tooth decoration, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 58 jewels, one-minute rotating exterior tourbillon carriage and 3.2 rotating per minute interior cage, 14K gold balance and adjusting screws, lateral lever escapement, Self-compensating helical balance spring, 6 shock absorbers on all axis pivots. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 36 x 56 mm. Thickness 16 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 1

As new
Movement: 1

As new
Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Notes

The following 3 examples of Jaeger LeCoultre wristwatches represent the pinnacle of watchmaking technology by the company and were originally sold as a set named "Hybris Mecanique." This is the fi rst time any of the models have been offered for auction in a white gold case and this is the fi rst Triptyque example to be appear at auction. Versions of the highly complex and desirable Gyrotourbillon 1, 2 and Triptyque within a white gold case were only manufactured and available to purchase as a set of all three. Released in an edition of 20 sets in 2009 each watch has remained stored in a safe by a private collector and offered in excellent ?as new? condition. The following three lots represent perhaps a unique opportunity to purchase the respective models in white gold individually
In a reiteration of the traditional single axis tourbillon, the Gyrotourbillon presents a double axis tourbillon escapement for greater precision and faster rotation. The dual-axis tourbillon, composed of 90 individual parts, differs from the Gyrotourbillon 1 in three main areas: faster rotation, higher frequency of beat, and the use of the cylindrical balance-spring. The caliber 174's cylindrical balance-spring, utilized in marine-chronometers and pocket watches, is used for the fi rst time in a wristwatch. The outer cage rotates at a speed of one revolution per 60 seconds and the inner one at a rate of 18.75 seconds, making an extremely graceful display and allowing full visibility of the gold balance. The 58 jewel, 371 part movement has a power-reserve of 50 hours, indicated on the reverse of the watch. The watch is a technological wonder in a classic design. Launched originally in 1931, 2011 saw the 80th anniversary of the legendary Reverso. Art Deco in essence, the clean ?Reverso? lines and high quality have made it Jaeger-LeCoultre?s leading model. The company has extended the line to include the "Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2." The Gyrotourbillon 2 is undoubtedly a technological masterpiece in a timeless and signifi cant case. This massive white gold reversible case features a locking mechanism to insure that the reversible function of the watch does not take the wearer by surprise