Collection
Blomman Mr Blue shares a deeply personal reflection on the unpredictable journey of watch collecting, illustrating how one acquisition can serendipitously lead to entirely unexpected horological discoveries. His post highlights the thrill of following a collecting path that deviates from initial intentions, culminating in the acquisition of a Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. E 603, a ladies' watch, which he humorously questions how he ended up with.
Hello Friends,
You remember my Ref E 603 post: Small pleasures in life…
And the follow up update post: Update on a small pleasure
When collecting you never know where you will end up!
That is one of the thrills for me with collecting watches.
You find something that leads to something more, that leads to…
Something entire different!
One day you find yourself with a big smile on your face, asking yourself – “How did I end up here?!”
OK, let me break it down for you:
Geophysic E 168=> Memovox Parking Ref 3161=> Clock Ref 69=> Clock Ref 70=> Clock Ref 380=> Ladies Ref E 603 …
Ladies?! How did this happen?!
Well, I don’t know, but I do know that from E 603 the trail goes straight to Ref 1629!
The second Ladies watch in the Jubilé Collection!
At first glance – the 1629 (to the left) and the E 603 (to the right) looks very much the same.
But in detail they are more different than you may think.
Dial – same layout, 12 + enhanced index at 3/6/9.
But if you look closely there are no luminous on the 1629 while the E 603 has luminous dots.
The dots are located under the edge of the crystal, almost like the Geopyhsic where the radium is located on the inside of the case.
The luminous is dead on my E 603, but best guess how it would look in the dark is something like this.
And here we see the next difference – the hands, both have Dauphine hands, but no luminous on the 1629.
Case; as you may read from the reference this is not a water-resistant watch.
The 1629 has a snapback case back while the E 603 has a screw down case back.
The 1629 is 19mm w/o crown while the E 603 is 20mm.
If you look at the bezel you can see where the extra mm is located.
The E 603 has longer and more curved lugs, and a bigger crown.
Inside both have the Cal 490/BW.
What made the hunt for these much more difficult is the fact that by some reason JLC did not put the Ref or Cal on case back or movement!
Even if JLC didn’t sign their buckles at this point, I could not resist putting these buckles on…
Original buckle should look something like this:
(Scan credit: Nicolas)
Well, friends – a big pleasure may come from a small package!
What journey have you done?
Where did you end up?
Ending up somewhere entire different than you thought you would..?
Best
Blomman
The Geophysic E168 is a notable reference within the Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic series, originally introduced in 1958. This particular model is distinguished by its robust construction and precision engineering, designed for scientific observation and accuracy. It represents a period when watch manufacturers focused on creating instruments capable of performing reliably in challenging environments, emphasizing technical merit over decorative embellishments. The E168 is recognized for its clean dial layout and functional aesthetic, reflecting its purpose-built origins.
The case of the Geophysic E168 is crafted from stainless steel, measuring 35mm in diameter. It houses the manual-winding Caliber 478BWS, a movement known for its precision and anti-magnetic properties, featuring a hacking seconds function for accurate time setting. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal, contributing to its vintage character and period-appropriate design. The solid case back further underscores its utilitarian design, protecting the movement from external influences.
For collectors, the Geophysic E168 holds significance as an early example of a highly technical watch from Jaeger LeCoultre. Its appeal lies in its historical context and the engineering principles it embodies. Variants of the Geophysic line are sought after for their understated design and the quality of their movements, making the E168 a key reference for those interested in mid-20th century precision timekeeping instruments.
...whether large or small always make for good reading. Thank you N
I am far from being at the point you have laready reached, my friend. You just need to find a Memo WT and a 2233... And maybe a E 858 and a E 329, if you look at this french catalog from 1958. Now, you can also add some Lecoultre Jubilés, such as the MM Chronometer and the Quartermaster... But your collection is already something breathtaking, Blomman. Bravo! Nicolas
... to think about what you say about collecting. It is true that collecting means to navigate through a very meandrous river, full of curves and endless small rivers ending their paths in this bigger current. Sometimes we, collectors, are estimulated by some strange reasons or events, to explore these smaller rivers, leaving for a little time the course of the main river, our main collecting focus, and it is then when we make discoveries, or arrive to new ports we did never expect to reach some
That is one of my objectives in life and I am sure that the day it happens it will be great. Blomman, your knowledge of JLC never ceases to amaze me. Best regards, George
So I can keep my mind the day I see his dazzling collection. Best regards, George
- so let me simply & humbly say this : You are indeed getting more & more amazing to me: Thus, another sincere 'Chapeau' !! Among other 'things on the side', next to the lovely ladies you shared again 2 of my grails: - the formidable, (unbeatable) Geophysic and the marvellous Parking, both so elusive .. One distant day, maybe .. and if not, well.. - luckily there may be kind friends to allow (the Watson in me) an occasional vista or even touch - and learn, learn. So one of the things left for me
This thread is active on the Jaeger-LeCoultre forum with 31 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
