Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #1 Futurematic

Jun 14, 2011,22:03 PM
 

Hello Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Lovers,

 

First in this series is the Futurematic!

 



 

According to some sources the Futurematic was introduced in the US 1952 and in Europe 1953 and was produced until 1958.

 

What confuses me about these facts is that I found a repair manual printed in 1951.

 

LeCoultre, Repair manual, 1951 (for a full manual, please see the reference post).



 

Was JLC so farsighted that they printed the repair manual one year before they launched the watch?

 

LeCoultre, Repair manual, 1951 (for a full manual, please see the reference post).



 

This manual I have also seen printed in 1952.

 



 

Also the most recent document about the Futurematic I have seen so far is from 1957.

 

And neither in the 1957 or 1958 JLC catalogue the watch is shown.

 

Instead is the “Powermatic” E 373, 12 R.A.SC.9 and 11 are shown in these catalogues.

 

Is this because JLC already decided to discontinue the Futurematic?

 

Swedish catalogue, early 1950’s.



 

The “Slide – do not lift” came in many different versions.

 



 

Some of the references I found: E 501, E 502, 12.R.A.E.2 and 12.R.A.E.7 but there are many more I guess…

 

French ad, Ref 12.R.A.E.2, 1953-54.



 

Question: is SR-497 a reference or do JLC refer to the movement Cal 497?

 



 

Jaeger-LeCoultre, ad, 1954.



 

Interesting here is that the first line of text is in French, while the ad is in English and clearly suited both for the European and the Northern American market.

 

Another interesting point is the line: “The new Jaeger-LeCoultre SR-479…” as it was shown in the French catalogue the year before.

 

About the movement, the “normal” Futurematic used the Cal 497, 497/1 and P827 while the “Port Hole” used the Cal 817, 817/1 and P837.

 

LeCoultre ad. Normal, 1953.



 

One watch with a lot of diversity.

 

LeCoultre ad. Normal, 1955.



 

LeCoultre ad, Port hole, 1957.



 

Different case sizes: 35mm, 35,5mm, 36mm and 37m. Different case materials: SS, GP, YG 9K, YG 14K, YG 18K, RG 18K…

 

Different dials: the two main groups “normal” and “Port Hole”. How many different variations within these two groups I fear that no one really knows!

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre, French catalogue, 1953.



 

Also case and lugs shape differs a lot! Straight lugs, claws, teardrops…

 

About the French references.

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre, French ad, 1954.



 

According to Google translation (but I hope Nicolas or other French spoken may provide us with better translations):

 

Étanche=Tight

Remontage=Reassembly

Et Déclenchement=And Trigger

Automatiques=Automatic

 

12.R.A.E.2=12 Remontage, Automatiques, Étanche or Et Déclenchement 2 ?

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre, French ad, Ref 12.R.A.E.7, 1957.



 

Jaeger-LeCoultre, English language ad, 1954.



 

Jaeger-LeCoultre, French ad, 1954.



 

It’s a very lovable watch – aesthetically beautiful, innovative technical solution.

 



 

1955 Jaeger-LeCoultre French catalogue (for a full manual, please see the reference post).



 

1957 English language ad.



 

At some point JLC decided to give the Futurematic their own “logo”.

 



 

And a lot of sales argument.

 



 

Jaeger-LeCoultre, English language ad, 1957.



 

Actually I have seen several different styles on the Futurematic font.

 



 

In the beginning “Automatic” or “Automatic/Fabriqué en Suisse” was written on the dial.

Again JLC mixed English and French.

 

But best of all concerning the Futurematic – it’s so loveable on the wrist!

 



 

 

Thank you for reading Part #1 of this Vintage Ads Series.

 

Hope you enjoyed!

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

 

Vintage Ads: The Series – Intro!

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Whaoo!!!!

 
 By: grigo : June 14th, 2011-22:26
That is one serious post. I loved it and the Futurematic. I hope JLC does a TT Futurematic. Best regards, George

I have been posting…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-01:14
I have been posting less serious post lately… Thought it was time for some thing with more substance! Thank you, George – I really hope that JLC is considering a TT Futurematic! Best Blomman

Excellent read. Thanks! [nt]

 
 By: dennis_yong : June 14th, 2011-22:35
No message body

Thanks, Dennis! [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-01:16
No message body

nice, thanks for this!

 
 By: DRMW : June 14th, 2011-22:58
always nice to view the past, thanks! -MW

Happy you liked it, MW!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-01:20
Always nice to have a look in to the history! Thank you, MW! Best Blomman

Superb post and is only on part 1!!!

 
 By: TdotBean : June 15th, 2011-00:19
Blomman you should be on of the list as one of the must visit site in Sweden. I am happily amaze. Are you on a hunt for one these? Images from Montres Anciennes Best Tyler...  

I guess .. pretty much everyone.. :)

 
 By: hs111 : June 15th, 2011-04:16
would love to be on the hunt for this nice one.. Portholes.. ss .. ) thanks, Tyler for this kind share, in addition to Blomman's great 2 subdial one (RM and second) Enjoyable, both of you ! best, hs

nice pic;) [nt]

 
 By: playtime : June 15th, 2011-20:24
No message body

Sooner or later…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-01:27
Sooner or later, yes – I can see a Port Hole in my future..! But right now I have to focus on JLC’s with alarm… Thank you for your kind words, T Bomb! Best Blomman

When you do please feel free to torture us with plenty of pictures.

 
 By: TdotBean : June 16th, 2011-02:26
Sincere regards from T.Bomb:-D

I promise… I will! ;) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-06:11
No message body

very useful

 
 By: karmin : June 15th, 2011-03:03
Thanks a lot, Blomman, for spending all this time to post such extensive piece of information. Very useful indeed. Karmin

My pleasure, Karmin!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-01:32
To write about a watch is a great and fun way to learn! Thank you! Best Blomman

Outstanding

 
 By: nilomis : June 15th, 2011-03:18
Blomman Allow me to say in Portuguese: Que maravilha! I just wait to be amazed when you land on the Memo ads. Cheers

Muito obrigado, Nilo! :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-06:16
The Memovox will be even more complicated… I think I have around 50 different ads and catalogue-pages only covering Memovox! That topic I think I will have to split up in several posts… Thank you for your kind words, my friend! Best Blomman

WOW.. What a Jump start .. Enjoyable, plus a notion..

 
 By: hs111 : June 15th, 2011-04:09
Hello, my friend, - THAT was putting the benchmark for the rest of your series high again - what a pleasure read ! So nice, to again see the representation of this wonderful "concept watch" - a watch almost too good for its time, - or as it seems too good... 

Benchmark..? :)

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-06:32
Well, we will see how the future parts will become... Much is depending on time and what kind of material I have. But hopefully I will be able to highlit some interesting points in each and every one! I have already a couple of topics in mind… Thank... 

awesome post with a very nice colelction of vintage jlc memorabilia and a great watch

 
 By: georgeszaslavsky : June 15th, 2011-04:21
Truely a mind blowing post regrouping the best of JLC in terms of vintage ads. Great futurematic. Thanks for sharing regards georges

Very kind of you, Georges!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-06:35
I find vintage ads and catalogues are very interesting... You may find a lot of information in these that helps you a lot when hunting watches! Thank you! Best Blomman

Some informations about the meaning of the letters RAE, Blomman.

 
 By: amanico : June 15th, 2011-07:12
R stands for Round ( while C stands for carré ). A stands for Automatic. E For Etanche ( waterproof, which suggests a screw in case back ). Back to your watch, you know all the love I have for the Futurematic, a very charismatic and representative watch, ... 

Thnx.. knew you would set that straight ! .. Now I remember :)

 
 By: hs111 : June 15th, 2011-10:03
Well - Got the R(onde) and A(utomatique) right, - erroneously thought E(tanche) was SHOCK- proof, instead of WATER-proof. Malheureusement, ma langue Française, c'est limit?.. Anyway, always great to read and learn .. Agree, Futurematic is very nice .. Wel... 

Ok, ok, one for the reminder...

 
 By: amanico : June 15th, 2011-11:35
One of my favourite Vintage JLC, by the way: Best, Nicolas...  

Somehow.. Was hoping to see that one again.. Big thanks ! :)) (nt)

 
 By: hs111 : June 15th, 2011-12:32
Be assured, am cool & can resist.. Embargo condition almost, now for a while ! Thank you kindly, nevertheless ! Best, hs

I knew it...

 
 By: amanico : June 15th, 2011-12:34
You can't imagine how often I look at this picture, even if I have it in the real... I muust be completely crazy. Best, Nicolas.

Not alone.. Me at a still smaller scale.. Yet.. :))

 
 By: hs111 : June 15th, 2011-12:39
But room for improvement and time to learn, I am aware it takes years. Slowly.. Best, hs

love this model!:)

 
 By: playtime : June 15th, 2011-20:25
thx for sharing this one again J

Thanks, Jason. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 15th, 2011-22:27
No message body

A beautiful example! :) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-07:11
No message body

Scarface(s).. Isn't it these marks making us alike ? :-o

 
 By: hs111 : June 16th, 2011-15:11
- some big, some small , but most of the time 2 very tiny holes, -- Transfection has happened already, though, -- tour d'horizon .. Or your tour through times ? Either way, I expect.. En garde ? -- ready ? Best, hs

There always is more .. :))

 
 By: hs111 : June 16th, 2011-22:19
.. than one: - The one in front, and the one inside ourselves.. ;-) But YES, as you can imagine my friend: - Watson aka Dr Harker looking already for their equipment and - well, either some garlic or the purse.. I said it once: "L'enfer, c'est les autres'... 

Thank you for the clarification, Nicolas!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-07:05
I know, I know... I have to learn French! Actually some moths ago I found something that makes this issue even more urgent... No, no, not a girl! Will bring to Paris and show you... The Futurematic is easy to “forget” when talking about vintag... 

Beautiful post.

 
 By: VMM : June 15th, 2011-09:42
I've enjoyed it a lot. Very nice pics and ads. Your Futurematic looks fantastic, love it. Thanks. Vte

Last year when I was...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-07:21
Last year when I was visiting the Le Grand Maison was the first time I saw the Futurematic in the metal. I got enchanted by its charm – I knew I had to find one! Thank you, Vte! Please post more photos from the Promised Land! Best Blomman

Thank you for this post

 
 By: Marv : June 15th, 2011-12:55
Very well illustrated! Thank you for sharing your nuggets. The futurematic is a very interesting watch that deserves being highlighted as it offers: - a powerful case design : purely round without the crown, fully symmetric with both subdials. - a complex... 

Re: Nuggets...

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 16th, 2011-07:29
Thank you very much, Marv! I hope you got to see some new once – as I know you also have a lot of ads... Yes, the Futurematic was, IMO the AMVOX II of the 50’s! Best Blomman

Great post!

 
 By: jml_watches : June 15th, 2011-15:35
Hi Blomman Great post, its alway good to see stuff on the Futurematic. Glad Ive got this one Its good to see how it was promoted and some variations that were available. The downside is though more people will want one & it'll make my task of getting a po...  

On the hunt for a PH..?

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 18th, 2011-02:36
Thank you for your words and sharing your Futurematic, JML! If JLC would make a TT Futurematic? Sign me up! Best Blomman

enjoyable read

 
 By: playtime : June 15th, 2011-20:23
thx for setting the background of the futurematic--never knew there was a range of models J

It’s a much wider range then you might think…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 18th, 2011-02:46
Happy you liked it, J – thank you! Best Blomman

i am looking for your further parts. Thanks

 
 By: chronomtr : June 16th, 2011-08:05
here is my new hunt...  

It will take some time…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 18th, 2011-03:00
Thank you, Chrono! It will take some time to put together future parts… But stay tuned – more in the tube! A beautiful piece! Congrats! What case size is it? Best Blomman

Futurematic as a starting post...

 
 By: FanFrancisco : June 16th, 2011-09:40
... Futurematic is also one of my favorite JLC vintage watches, fortunately, i also have one (only one) in my humble collection. the vintage ads really can help foster our love to these vintage watches, your #1 post with these ads have done the great job ...  

Somewhat different , familiar though .. I LIKED that, thnx Stefan :)

 
 By: hs111 : June 16th, 2011-12:48
That's a nicie, my friend: - So far I had not seen this type of the second- subdial ; also the PR a bit different.. Very nice chip-in, Stefan - truly enjoyable ! Best, hs

Your piece has the other font I was talking about.

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 18th, 2011-03:05
Stefan, thank you – glad you liked the post! I too have only one Futurematic in my humble collection. But one day I hope to add a Port Hole version as well… Best Blomman

Wow what a fantastic post..

 
 By: amandagw : June 18th, 2011-16:01
really enjoyed it, thanks for sharing blomman. I love the futurematic too what a ripper!

A watch to discover for sure!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 20th, 2011-02:14
Much more pleasant on the wrist then you might think… Thank you, Amanda – happy you enjoyed! Best Blomman

Excellent!

 
 By: -RWK- : June 19th, 2011-23:05
Thanks, for posting. -- Richard.

Thank you, Richard! [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : June 20th, 2011-11:57
No message body