Lot 118

LeCoultre

Duoplan

A lady's exquisite and exceedingly rare vintage miniature bracelet watch in platinum set with 63 baguette-cut diamonds, weighing a total of over 8 carats and fitted with the world's smallest mechanical movement

Three large baguette-cut diamonds with a strong spring hinge conceal the dial and turn the watch into an exquisite piece of jewellery set with sparkling diamonds. The total weight of the diamonds is over 8 ct.

When the Duoplan calibre was introduced in the 1920s, it was one of the smallest (yet accurate) movements. This was achieved with a two-level design that allowed enough room for a sufficiently large balance - always a prerequisite for accuracy in pocket watches and wristwatches. The Jaeger Duoplan for ladies was available in a number of different models and eventually became a very successful, classic timepiece. The Duoplan calibre 101 is 14 mm long, 4.8 mm wide and 3.4 mm high - it is still the smallest mechanical movement ever. Its original 74 parts only weighed a total of one gram. This prodigious feat of miniaturisation has equipped the most exclusive watches, starting with the one worn by Queen Elizabeth II of England on her Coronation Day in 1953.