Jaeger-LeCoultre

* cal. 177 manual winding damascened rhodium-plated nickel lever movement, 117 jewels, inclined one-minute multi-axis spherical tourbillon carriage crafted from aluminum, inner titanium escapement platform carrying the 14k gold balance wheel, inner platform rotating 5 times every 2 minutes along stationary wheel, steel reinforced tourbillon with jewelled suspension, two 14k gold screws mounted on cage and platform for poise, cage pinion connecting to 3rd wheel with beveled teeth, two linear main-spring barrels with sapphire crystal covers, blued steel hands for month display and retrograde leap year indication, plaque engraved Paris -0h 51' * ruthenium rhodium-plated gray dial, black Arabic numerals, silvered chapter ring for mean and solar time display, the time difference calculating equation of time, blued steel sword hands, gilt sun-shaped hand for solar time indication, fan-form sectors for 8-days power reserve and retrograde month indication, two hands for retrograde date display beneath a frosted sapphire crystal, large aperture for multi-axis spherical tourbillon * platinum polished circular case, downturned lugs, sapphire crystal display back secured by 4 screws * case, dial and movement signed * with a platinum JLC folding buckle       

Rare and collectable! Manual winding movement is running and mult-axis spherical tourbillon, perpetual calendar functions (retrograde date, leap-year, month) and power reserve functions all advancing and appear fully operational while cataloguing, but may need service soon. Case with scuffs from normal wear, particularly on the left case band and would benefit from a polish. Buckle with light scuffs from normal wear, but it can be polished. Hallmarks on case back retain excellent definition. Overall the watch appears in good condition. Outside of case back numbered 149.6.07 S and No. 11/75. **The leather strap of this wristwatch was made from an endangered species, please refer to important notice for further information**.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Jaeger-LeCoultre Certificate of Origin and a presentation box with an outer card box. 

The impressive Gyrotourbillon 1 by Jaeger-LeCoultre has carved its mark in the art of watchmaking- as the first spherical tourbillon the world has ever seen. Located at the heart of this horological marvel, is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 177, which displays the multi-axis spherical tourbillon, a running equation of time and a perpetual calendar equipped with four retrograde hands.  With 679 miniscule parts, the highly complex Gyrotourbillon classifies as a Grande Complication of the highest order.  Production started in 2005 and only 15 pieces are scheduled for manufacture and release per year until 2010.  This exclusive timepiece is limited to only 75 pieces, and this watch is numbered 11. 

Multi-Axis Spherical Tourbillon

Eric Coudray and designer Magali Métrailler conceptualized the Gyrotourbillon 1, employing cutting-edge materials and engineering to realize this horological tour-de-force.  The tourbillon carriage, crafted from aeronautical, high-performance aluminum, weighs only 0.035 grams, lighter than a grain of rice.  The inner escapement platform consists of titanium and holds the 14k gold screw-set balance wheel, its weight perfectly optimized for oscillation.  Two 14k gold screws poise the cage assembly, which employs only jeweled suspension, rather than traditionally used ball bearing races that are sensitive to dust.  The golden balance wheel reveals itself in full glory once every minute to the observer.       

Equation of Time 

The equation of time is displayed by the difference between the solar minute hand and the normal minute hand.  Only four times a year will both hands coincide:  December 25th, April 15th, June 14th and September 2nd. 

Perpetual Calendar

The Perpetual Calendar features a patented double retrograde for date display.  One hand on the left indicates the dates 1 through 16, and a second hand on the right indicates the dates from 16 through 31.  Both hands rendezvous on the 16th of every month before retreating to their respective resting points.  The retrograde leap year indicator is visible on the reverse side of the watch, while the retrograde month hand elegantly mirrors the 8-days power reserve indicator on the front dial.