Let's have a look at the Ref 2233, which belongs to the Jubil Collection, celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the " Grande Maison. You all know the most famous of them, the Geophysic, the Memovox Parking, the Memovox World Time, and a less known watch for ladies ( the Ref 1629 or the Water Proof v
Let's have a look at the Ref 2233, which belongs to the Jubilé Collection, celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the " Grande Maison.
You all know the most famous of them, the Geophysic, the Memovox Parking, the Memovox World Time, and a less known watch for ladies ( the Ref 1629 or the Water Proof version, the Ref E 603 ).
JLC also offered an elegant simple and thin ( not ultra thin, though ) watch, the Ref 2233.
Here it is, in all its Simplicity and Beauty:
1/ The case:
A thin case, which would have been even thinner if the ( snap ) case back wasn't so domed.
Here, no fuss, no complicated things nor decorations, just an elegant case, reduced to its simplest expression.
One detail, actually.
If you have a look at the crown, you will notice that it is partially integrated to the case, as to avoid the appearance of a prominent wart on the side, or to enhance the simplicity of the case.
The lugs, straight and curved at their end, are complimenting this sober watch, which was available in Stainless Steel, Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold.
Here, in Rose Gold, but I think one of us has the Stainless Steel version.
The case is 34 mm big, and I would rate the height around 7 or 8 mm.
As this reference was released with a snap case back, the watch is not waterproof.
2/ The dial:
For the 3 versions ( SS, YG or RG), the dials are the same, the only thing which changes is the color of the indexes and hands, which match with the color of the case.
This is an example of Minimalism:
The 15 minutes indexes are applied, while the 5 minutes indexes are just painted.
Nothing else, on this time only watch, which would ruin its " quintessential " beauty, as to make echo to the simple case.
The hour and minute hands are baton shaped.
The only fantaisy is the domed shape of the dial.
Here, on a picture of a modern minimalist JLC, the MUT, which shares the same spirit, obviously:
Do an elegant man need something else than just ...Elegance?
3/ The movement:
Beautiful outise, beautiful inside!
The Cal 480 is a very nice simple manual winding movement, showing a nice decoration, with the Geneva Stripes, and some light anglages.
Its dimensions don't allow the watch to belong to the ultra thin category, though ( 23, 73 mm big x 3, 65 high ), which are to be compared to the MUT movement, whose Cal 849 is only 1,85 mm high!
Simple is beautiful:
And, cherry on the cake, a close up:
Conclusion:
This watch is dear to my heart for 2 reasons:
First, it belongs to the Jubilé Family, among some other treasures, as previously said.
The 3 Jubilé Sisters together, a terrific Trio:
The Jubilé was an excellent idea, which was repeated in 2008 for the 175th Anniversary of the Grande Maison and in 2013 as well, a concept which allows to highlight the historical production, as well as the horological talent of a Manufacture.
The Rose Gold goes marvellously on this watch, as the proportions are very reasonnable.
This colored gold version enhances the beauty of the watch, puts in light its wonderful sobriety and class.
The Ref E 2233 is not often see, and I even think we speak bout it for the very first time.
It has to be said that one explanation may be its rarity, as it was only made from 1957 to 1959 in a total of 2927 pieces:
2252 in Stainless Steel,
550 in Yellow Gold.
125 ( as the Jubilé which celebrated the 125th Anniversary...Curious coincidence...) in Rose Gold.
Rarity apart, the 2233 is a cool, sober and very elegant watch, and very typical of what JLC use(d) to do.
Round or Rectangular...
I hope that this post will contribute to make you love it.
Best to All,
Nicolas
