Famed as the watchmaker’s watchmaker, Jaeger Le Coultre’s approach to horology has always been an industry-defining aspect of their appeal. Known for meticulously crafting some of the finest movements and timepieces known to horology, the brand’s heritage is one dripping in innovation and craftsmanship. Standing as a monument to that very idea is the Mystery Watch ref. 17006 that we have here. Launched in the late 1960s, the Mystery Watch features a tonneau-shaped case with a radial brushed pattern across its face that radiates out from a thin polished bezel that encircles a glass enclosure that houses the watch’s movement and dial. Seemingly suspended over the wearer’s wrist, the dial and movement appear to float as if by magic, thus inspiring the model’s name. Powered by the manual-wind cal. 430, the Mystery Watch is an enduring tribute to JLC’s industry-leading sense of innovation and their novel approach to creating truly unique and wonderful watches.

The white gold case is in excellent condition, with strong definition to the sunburst finish on the front, showing only a few very light scratches and a couple of small nicks. The outer ring of the case back has some tarnishing and scratches, with some wear visible on the screw heads that secure the back. The center of the case back has well-defined engravings and the winder. The center of the dial retains its sunburst brushing, though the text has worn away in a couple of places. The clear section is very clean, with only a few minor marks. The watch is fitted with a leather strap and a generic steel buckle. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.

Illustrating JLC's naturally innovative approach to watchmaking, the Mystery Watch takes a novel idea and realises it in a wonderful way with its dial and movement suspended over the wearer's wrist.