LIP Electronic wristwatch in 18k (750) gold worn by General de Gaulle Calibre R 27 "Patent Pending" No. 17298 Round case, stylised and bevelled handles, double screw-down back for the batteries, numbered "17298" with the words "Electronic Incabloc Patent Pending". Silvered dial with "épis" indexes and applied Arabic numerals, central second hand and circular-grained minute track, signed. Electromechanical movement fitted with calibre R 27 (a complete overhaul is required). D. 45 mm Gross weight: 45 g Provenance : - Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) - Then Admiral Philippe de Gaulle (1921-2024) - Then descendants This wristwatch was worn by General de Gaulle, probably from 1958 onwards as it was one of the very first series produced. It is certainly one of the most iconic pieces in this sale, combining all the aspects that contribute to the "Prestige de la France". Patent Pending This watch comes from the Lip model series equipped with the R 27 calibre, a technological feat at the time. What makes this timepiece all the more interesting is the fact that the back of the case bears the words "Patent Pending", attesting to the fact that this is a special model, as this terminology is used to designate the first examples to leave the workshops. In watchmaking, as in many other industries, the term "Patent Pending" is used when a patent application has been filed to protect a specific innovation or invention, but the patent has not been officially granted. Calibre R 27 This model, equipped with an R 27 calibre, known as a 2-stack model, was marketed from 1958 to 1960. The R 27 calibre is particularly atypical and gave the model its name. At the time, it was one of the very first innovations in the field, and this feat of "French genius" was highlighted by Charles de Gaulle, then President of the French Republic. This legendary watch movement, introduced in 1958, marked a significant step forward in the history of French watchmaking, as it was the first electromechanical movement in Europe. It was entirely designed and manufactured by Lip in Besançon. Technical specifications This new type of electromechanical movement combines traditional mechanical components with an electrical power supply. It is powered by two batteries that provide the energy required for its operation. The oscillations of the balance spring, the main regulating organ along with the escapement, are maintained by a polarised electromagnetic system. Operation The balance wheel is set in motion by a battery-powered electromagnet. An electrical contact, activated by the balance wheel, closes the circuit, allowing the current to maintain the oscillation of the balance wheel. This system This innovative system eliminates the need for manual winding, offering greater precision than traditional mechanical watches. Historical impact The R27 calibre was a feat of engineering for Lip, paving the way for 15 years of avant-garde design for the brand. It was worn by famous personalities, including General de Gaulle, of whom our example, which he wore on his wrist, is certainly a prototype version of the time. Today, the R27 calibre is considered a masterpiece of French watchmaking heritage, testifying to Lip's innovation and expertise at the time. The atypical R27 calibre gave its name to the model and was one of the great innovations in European watchmaking at the time. Years of research Research into electricity applied to the watchmaking industry began at Lip in the 1930s with the first experiments on clocks, then the work was applied to wristwatches at the end of the 1940s in the greatest secrecy. It took ten years of research between 1948 and 1958 to bring this project to fruition, at a time when the Americans were also interested in this revolutionary electric watch project. Under the direction of Jean-Georges Laviolette and Paul Dargier de Saint Vaulry, replaced in 1955 by Jean Pommier, the first European electric wristwatch was created in 1958 under the R27 calibre. The Prestige of France This achievement is undoubtedly one of the achievements that testify to the "French genius" of the late 1950s, when General de Gaulle was establishing the institutions of the Fifth Republic, of which he was the first president in 1958. Described in advertising at the time as "one of the most precise watches in the world" and "the first electric watch made in Europe", it is the most important testimony to the famous watchmaking epic of the LIP factory, the flagship of the French watchmaking industry at the time. This wristwatch was worn by General de Gaulle, probably from 1958 onwards, as it was one of the very first series produced. It is certainly one of the most iconic pieces in this sale, as it combines all the aspects that contribute to the "Prestige of France". Patent Pending This watch comes from the Lip model series equipped with the R 27 calibre, a technological feat at the time. What makes this timepiece all the more interesting is the fact that the back of the case bears the words "Patent Pending", attesting to the fact that this is a special model, as this terminology is used to designate the first examples to leave the workshops. In watchmaking, as in many other industries, the anglicism 'Patent Pending' is used when a patent application has been filed to protect a specific innovation or invention, but the patent has not been officially granted. Calibre R 27 This model, equipped with the 2-stack R 27 calibre, was marketed from 1958 to 1960. The R 27 calibre is particularly atypical and gave the model its name. At the time, it was one of the very first innovations in the field, and this feat of "French genius" was highlighted by Charles de Gaulle, then President of the French Republic. This legendary watch movement, introduced in 1958, marked a significant step forward in the history of French watchmaking, as it was the first European electromechanical movement. It was entirely designed and manufactured by Lip in Besançon. Technical specifications This new type of electromechanical movement combines traditional mechanical components with an electrical power supply. It is powered by two batteries that provide the energy required for its operation. The oscillations of the balance spring, the main regulating organ along with the escapement, are maintained by a polarised electromagnetic system. Operation The balance wheel is set in motion by a battery-powered electromagnet. An electrical contact, activated by the balance wheel, closes the circuit, allowing the current to maintain the oscillation of the balance wheel. This system This innovative system eliminates the need for manual winding, offering greater precision than traditional mechanical watches. Historical impact The R27 calibre was a feat of engineering for Lip, paving the way for 15 years of avant-garde design for the brand. It was worn by famous personalities, including General de Gaulle, of whom our example, which he wore on his wrist, is certainly a prototype version of the time. Today, the R27 calibre is considered a masterpiece of French watchmaking heritage, bearing witness to Lip's innovation and expertise at the time. The atypical R27 calibre gave its name to the model and was one of the great innovations in European watchmaking at the time. Years of research Research into electricity applied to the watchmaking industry began at Lip in the 1930s with the first experiments on clocks, then the work was applied to wristwatches at the end of the 1940s in the greatest secrecy. It took ten years of research between 1948 and 1958 to bring this project to fruition, at a time when the Americans were also interested in this revolutionary electric watch project. Under the direction of Jean-Georges Laviolette and Paul Dargier de Saint Vaulry, replaced in 1955 by Jean Pommier, the first European electric wristwatch was created in 1958 under the R27 calibre. The Prestige of France This is undoubtedly one of the achievements that testifies to the "French genius" at the end of the 1950s, when General de Gaulle was establishing the institutions of the Fifth Republic, of which he was the first president in 1958. Described in advertising at the time as "one of the most precise watches in the world" and "the first electric watch made in Europe", it is the most important testimony to the famous watchmaking epic of the LIP factory, the flagship of the French watchmaking industry at the time.