Jaeger-LeCoultre E159 Screw-Down Caseback Mystery

northerner · 2019-05-22T05:27:38Z

Explore the rare Jaeger-LeCoultre E159 with a non-SHOM screw-down caseback. Northerner investigates its unique features and historical context.

Northerner delves into the intriguing variations of the Jaeger-LeCoultre E159, specifically focusing on a rare screw-down caseback version without SHOM or MN engravings. His post seeks community insight into this particular combination, highlighting the 'Fabrique en Suisse' dial marking and its historical context.

JLC E159 has been one of my favourite vintage watches since I saw one a few years ago here. Since then I've bought a sold a few until I found one a good condition where both the dial and the case were well-preserved. Here are some shots.

However, I couldn't resist the temptation to buy another one when I saw this little guy pop up for sale. It's a E159 with a screw down casebock but no SHOM or MN engravings. The dial has "Fabrique en Suisse" under Jaeger-LeCoultre which none of the other 159s I've owned had. Could you shed any light on this little deviation? I can't seem to find any info on this particular combo.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2021-04-10 13:17:24

Key Points from the Discussion

The E159 with a screw-down caseback is less common than the snap-back version, with an extraordinary SHOM example with a screw-back noted at a past auction.
The author inquires whether screw-down casebacks on 159s were a later introduction or a parallel variation to the snap-on casebacks.
There is a desire for JLC to re-issue a new E159 with a solid screw-back case and 100m water resistance, staying close to the original design.
The discussion raises questions about when the E159 received a screw-down back and when its movement was upgraded to the nickel-plated BWSbr, and if the M.N. requested specific watch and movement combinations.
The E159 is considered an outstanding vintage watch, with strong interest in a modern re-issue that remains faithful to the original.

The Discussion

mahesh

May 22, 2019

thanks for sharing !! Best, mahesh.,

mrds

May 22, 2019

This is vintage done right! Huge congrats, northerner. Cheers, Daniel

dhendolan

May 22, 2019

Absolutely outstanding! I would buy one in a heartbeat if they made a new one, particularly if they kept it fairly close to the original. Thanks for sharing the great pictures.

northerner

May 22, 2019

Do you know if 159s with screw down casebacks came later or if it's just a variation that was produced alongside the ones with snap-on casebacks?

al.slater

May 22, 2019

My old e159 had the snap back, and fabrique en Suisse (white dial) - the screw backs seem a bit less common - there was one extraordinary example of a shom with a screw back at artcurial (I think it was) a couple of years back. ...?

mahesh

May 22, 2019

a reissue would be cool - wdyt?!

Jaeger-LeCoultre E159 Screw-Down Caseback Mystery

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum