Vintage
Amanico's discovery of a vintage Jaeger chronograph, reference E 2638, complete with its original box and papers from 1965, offers a rare glimpse into the past. This post highlights the enduring appeal of vintage timepieces and the excitement of finding a 'full set,' a true collector's dream. His detailed presentation allows readers to appreciate the watch's condition and historical context.
There are moments full of surprises, in Life.
While I was looking forward to add another nice Vintage JLC Chrono, a friend of mine called me to tell me that he found something which may be of interest for my collection.
A few days after a short visit to my friend, I realized that it was not only a surprise, but 2 surprises, which were waiting for me.
1/ The first surprise is the watch in itself, which comes with its box and its paper, which is pretty rare for a watch sold in ...April 1965.
- The box:
Even the AD tag is still stuck inside the box!
- The Paper ( Warranty ) providing some cleaning and servicing advices:
- The total packaging:
Like if you were buying a watch at your favourite AD 50 years ago!
Here, an extract fo the 1961 Catalogue, showing this reference among others:
- Let's have a look at this Chronograph, now:
As you can see, this is a Jaeger Chronograph, with a dial in a stunning condition, and an unpolished case.
The silver dial shows 3 counters which are eating the 3 / 6 and 9 applied numbers.
The 3 counters receive a circular finish, while the main dial is plain and smooth.
At the base of the thin and long triangular applied indexes, you have a tritium pearl, which aged nicely.
A nice detail, which adds a small touch of sportivity and contrast on this elegant, classic, and well balanced chronograph: the discrete blue tachymeter, on the outer part of the dial.
The case is theorically small, as it measures 35 mm, but, in real, it looks surprisingly bigger, due to the important aperture of the dial, and to the lack of a bezel.
A feeling immediately confirmed once the watch on the wrist:
The case back is screwed, bearing the serial number of the watch:
It hides ( as, at this era, it wasn't important to show the movement through a sapphire case back! ) which seems to be a Valjoux movement, even if I don't recognize the famous 72, often used on Jaeger, Lecoultre or Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronographs, in alternance with the Universal Genève movement ( U.G Cal 285 ).
So, if someone can tell me what is the exact reference of this movement, it would be of great help for me.
You will note that the inside part of the case back, as the movement, are both signed by Jaeger.
I couldn't resist to get this nice Chrono, even if it wasn't programmed in my wish list, but this is certainly the charm of the surprises...
2/ The 2d surprise: The close link between the Past and the Present.
You certainly have in mind the new Master Chrono released by JLC this year.
If not, here is a picture ( Stainless Steel Boutique Edition )
And now, the regular Master Chrono, in SS:
Now, let's compare it with the E 2638...
Remove the date, replace the Tachymeter on the Vintage for the Pulsometer on the New one, no " eaten " applied numbers on the Modern,a bigger and thicker case than on the original one, very nice rectangular pushers on the Modern instead of the round on the Vintage, and now, what do you say?
Isn't there a certain " air de famille "?
Same shaped indexes, same Dauphine hands, 3 counters, same sport and elegant " spirit ".
If we want to go further in the similarities between the Vintage and the Modern, have a look at the extract of the 1961 catalogue I posted above, and see the Ref E 2634... We are indeed even closer than with the Ref E 2638.
As often, with JLC, History is an eternal resumption.
Best to All.
Nicolas.
The Jaeger LeCoultre E2638 represents a vintage offering from the brand, characterized by its understated design and focus on fundamental timekeeping. This reference is recognized for its clean aesthetic, often featuring a simple dial layout that emphasizes legibility and classic proportions. It belongs to a period where Jaeger LeCoultre produced a diverse range of timepieces, many of which are now sought after by collectors for their historical significance and mechanical integrity. The E2638 typically embodies the brand's commitment to horological craftsmanship in a more accessible form.
This particular reference is housed in a case, frequently found in stainless steel, with dimensions that reflect the preferences of its era, often around 35mm in diameter. It is powered by a manual-wind mechanical movement, a common characteristic for watches of this period, known for its reliability and serviceability. The crystal protecting the dial is typically acrylic, contributing to its vintage appeal and offering a warm distortion to the dial from certain angles. The unpolished condition of the case, as noted, is a significant factor for collectors, indicating originality.
For collectors, the E2638 appeals to those who appreciate vintage Jaeger LeCoultre pieces that retain their original character. The presence of its original box and papers, as mentioned, significantly enhances its desirability and provenance. Its simple yet robust construction makes it a practical choice for daily wear among vintage enthusiasts, while its classic design ensures it remains a relevant piece within the broader landscape of historical watchmaking. The correct condition of the dial further adds to its collector appeal.
Dear Nicolas, what a beauty! And complete set ..wow! This is what vintage watch collecting is all about - and I guess the best part is you didn't have to pay crazy money (as others do for chronographs with same movement) and the dial is flawless on top. congrats!
Nicolas, First of all, congratulations for this wonderful catch. The lack of date is a bonus, correct? Now my newbie question: What is the relation between Jaeger and JLC? I already passed many "Jaeger" by believing that they are not part of the Manufacture. Thanks in advance, Nilo
That is a great catch. It must be a thrill to find a complete package like that, and such a clean example, as you said like receiving a watch from your AD in 1965. I love the lack of bezel on the chrono, which brings to mind the AMVOX line as well. Best, respo
Cheers Francois from Down Under
and .. A full set.. beautiful and moving at the same time, In a way, it is the past reaching upwards into this presence. Something touching.. The similarity or , (as you say, " l'air de famille), the DNA pattern speaks a decent, but clear message, how balanced craftmanship can be timeless : yesterday, today and tomorrow.. Your post ( and the superb pics) shows that convincingly, how life (but also design and art ) often moves in circles, - so no wonder, that one enjoys, such coming 360 degrees;
As for your question about Jaeger and JLC atches, a quick answer: Both MM Jaeger and Lecoultre agreed, at the beginning of the XXth century that they had to diversify ther production. Jaeger was in charge of the production of some instruments, such as the dashboards and clocks for cars and planes, for example, as well as some timekeepers. There was a factory in France, near Paris ( Levallois, if I remember correctly ), and another in England. In parallel, Lecoultre and JLC brands made fine time
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