Exclusive Timepieces 20 –⁠ 21 April 2024 | Monaco

Auction Details

Auction sessions:

  • Session I – Saturday, 20 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 1 to 101
  • Session II – Sunday, 21 April, 10:30 AM – Lots 102 to 178
  • Session III – Sunday, 21 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 179 to 278

176 Jaeger LeCoultre Very Rare and Attractive, Mystery, Square-shape Bracelet Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Engraved Bezel and Dial

Estimate: € 6,000 –⁠ 12,000

Sold € 9,750

Model: Mystery
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1960's
Movement: Manual
Case N°: 95953
Dimensions: 31 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case

In 1833, following the invention of a groundbreaking machine capable of cutting watch pinions from steel, Antoine LeCoultre (1803–1881) laid the foundation for a horological legacy that would transcend time. Opening a small laboratory at Le Sentier, he dedicated his watchmaking skills to crafting high-quality timepieces. As innovation continued to shape the trajectory of LeCoultre’s journey, a pivotal moment occurred in 1884 when he introduced the first instrument capable of measuring the micron. Four years later, LeCoultre’s revolutionary lever-winding mechanism earned him prestigious awards at the inaugural Universal Exhibition in London. Since its establishment in 1883, Jaeger-LeCoultre has consistently dazzled the world with a rich history of creating bold and audacious timepieces, all grounded in the finest traditions of watchmaking. Among its most intriguing creations, the presented lot stands out as an innovative masterpiece with an uncommon shape and intricate workmanship known as “Mystery.” The square-shaped case, preserved in great condition, boasts a unique structure. An inner square, housing the movement, is ingeniously connected to an outer rounded square bezel in yellow gold by two superimposed sapphire crystals. Both gold components feature an unusual engraved decoration, with the outer part displaying 60-minute indications and the inner part showcasing 12-hour markers, both painted in black to make the reading easier. This layout is something almost never seen on the auction market since the vast majority of Oyster have round case, this makes the present lot extremely rare. The case bears french hallmarks meaning that the watch was destined to the French market. The blue pencil hands complete the distinctive aesthetic. The bracelet further enhances the watch’s uniqueness, featuring two case attachments merging into a single line with exceptionally attractive interlaced craftsmanship. Powered by a manual-winding movement, this Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatch is a stellar example of 1970s design, epitomizing the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological creativity.