Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic: Nautilus & Skate History

amanico · 2015-06-23T00:00:14Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic's historical ties to polar exploration, including its presentation to USS Nautilus commanders in 1958.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

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Amanico presents a captivating historical deep dive into the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic, a watch intrinsically linked to significant polar expeditions. His post meticulously details the presentation of Geophysic watches to the commanders of the USS Nautilus and USS Skate in 1958, offering a rare glimpse into the watch's early provenance and its connection to Cold War-era exploration. This article provides invaluable context for collectors and enthusiasts interested in the Geophysic's storied past.

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Please, allow me to tease you bit before unveiling what I have to show you...

It is related to this well known leaflet.

To help you to guess, I will post now the detailed pictures used in this leaflet.

- The Admiral Frederick B Warder offering the Geophysic to the Commanders William R Anderson, on the right, and J.F Calvert, on the left, during a ceremony on the 16th of December, 1958.

- The Geophysic with its " Sputnik " box, and its paper.

- The USS Nautilus ( Commander Anderson ).

- The USS Skate - Commander Calvert ).

Now, what do you think I had the opportunity to see?

Commander Anderson's Geophysic!

The JLC Heritage Gallery had the opportunity to include in its collection this historical piece.

My surprise was to learn that this Watch was in yellow gold! I always thought that it was in steel, maybe because of the black and white pictures, such as those posted above.

You can read, engraved all around the case back : " From the citizen of Geneva to U.S.S Nautilus Commander W.R Anderson in recognition of the historic conquest of the North Pole in August 4th 1958. "

Which is interesting is to know or learn that the Commander J.F Calvert's Geophysic has the same mentions, engraved on its case back, but with a different date: August 11th, 1958.

This Geophysic lost its sticker, after all these years on Commander Anderson's wrist.

The Heritage Gallery won't restore this Watch. It will be kept in this condition, as a witness of this glorious moment and piece of the Manufacture History.

For every Geophysic Fan, being able to see that time keeper is a fantastic moment, which I wanted to share with all of you.

Best,

Nicolas.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-06-23 00:07:38 This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-06-28 12:06:53

Key Points from the Discussion

The accompanying ephemera for the modern Tribute to Geophysic 1958 versions, including the round folder/booklet and tag, was a thoughtful touch by JLC, honoring the original's historical context.
The original leaflets for the Geophysic were available in English, not solely French, and the 'Sputnik' boxes were likely limited to the two presentation watches, though JLC's manufacture holds at least one more.
The presentation watches given to the submarine commanders were indeed in yellow gold, a detail that challenges the common perception of the original Geophysic as primarily a steel watch and influences appreciation for modern gold tributes.
It is a newly discovered fact for some collectors that the special Geophysic caseback logos on these presentation watches were stickers, not engravings, aligning with the tradition of precious metal presentation pieces.
The 1958 Nautilus trip under the North Pole, for which the Geophysic was presented, evoked a sense of real-life Jules Verne adventure for many at the time, highlighting the watch's connection to pioneering exploration.
The author deliberately waited for the post-SIHH period to share this historical find, indicating its significance and the desire for it to receive focused attention from the community.

The Discussion

hs111

Jun 23, 2015

It's like in a time capsule.. To see one of the historical ones.. Enligthing stuff and..

.. Is still one of these symbols of times, long gone, but somehow reaching up & touching us here and now ! One a few tiny Qs: were the original leaflets in French only, or were there English versions ? Has there been one of the Sputnik - boxes preserved & were these only for the two watches presented or also for other Geophysics ? Thx a lot for this lovely share, for sure also a great addition to the JLC Heritage Gallery.. Best, hs PS: I had initially thought a bit, it would be an announcement o

amanico

Jun 23, 2015

Now you understand how thrilled I was when the HG brought me this watch!

As for your questions, now.... It seems that there was an English version of the leaflet: I don't have the rest of the booklet, sadly. As for the Sputnik box, for me, as far as I know, there were only 2, for the Commanders' watches. I mean two available, but it seems that the Manufacture has at least one more, the one I photographed. Best, Nicolas

hs111

Jun 23, 2015

Thx kindly.. Really a welcome remembering of pioneering achievements

.. as per to the concomitant epiphemalia for the new Tributes 1958 versions it was a nice JLC sentiment, IMHO, to provide the little round folder/booklet & tag to go together.. Thx agan for this revelating share, my friend ! Really a nice set.. LGM did a pretty good job for the concomitant little goodies Just some greetings from new to historical grandeur ! :)) Best, hs

amanico

Jun 23, 2015

It would have been great if the Manufacture had opted for the Red Book or for the Sputnik! [nt]

blomman Mr Blue

Jun 23, 2015

Returning back home! :)

Good to see this one finding its way back home! :) A historical piece for all Geophysic fans for sure! Thank you for sharing this one with us here, Nicolas. Best Blomman

amanico

Jun 23, 2015

It was a pleasure to share this great news here.

I was waiting for the SIHH fury to calm down, before posting it... But since I took this Watch in picture, in January, I was tempted more than once to put it on line. ;) Best, Nicolas

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic: Nautilus & Skate History

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