Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Jun 01, 2024

LOT 237

JAEGER LECOULTRE, REF. E168, ANTI-MAGNETIC CHRONOMETER, ‘GEOPHYSIC’, 18K YELLOW GOLD

HKD 60,000 - 100,000

EUR 7,200 - 11,900 / CHF 7,000 - 11,600 / USD 7,700 - 12,800

Sold: HKD 87,500

An extremely fine and extremely rare, 18k yellow gold, manual wind anti-magnetic to 600 Gauss, chronometer wristwatch with cream white dial, center second and screwed case-back.


Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Brand Jaeger Lecoultre

Model Anti-Magnetic Chronometer

Reference E168

Year circa 1958

Movement No. 1276006

Case No. 747456

Bracelet JLC gold plated buckle

Diameter 35 mm.

Caliber P478/BWsbr.

Weight 40gr. (approx.)

Signature dial, case and movement

Notes

Launched in 1958, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. E168 Geophysic occupies a prestigious position in the history of watchmaking, representing a pinnacle in anti-magnetic watch design of that era. Crafted to honor the International Geophysical Year and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 125th anniversary, the E168, featuring the superior Cal. P478/BWSbr movement protected by an antimagnetic shield, was engineered as a tool watch for scientists, specifically created to resist magnetic forces up to 600 Gauss, this watch was designed to maintain accurate timekeeping even in the presence of potentially disruptive magnetic fields.

With a limited production of 1038 pieces in stainless steel and only 30 in gold , made this model is exceptionally rare. Antiquorum is excited to present this example, one of the exclusive 30 gold versions. The seller has meticulously preserved this watch in a safe for over 30 years, maintaining it in good condition despite some oxidation on the dial. The case remains in execllent with the hallmark between the lugs clearly defined and sharp, attesting to its authenticity and well-preserved nature.

Provenance

Property of an Asian collector