Jaeger-LeCoultre Uniplan Étrier Vintage Watch
Vintage

Jaeger-LeCoultre Uniplan Étrier Vintage Watch

By quattro · Feb 15, 2025 · 26 replies
quattro
WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum
26 replies3528 views21 photos
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quattro's decision to restore his grandfather's Jaeger-LeCoultre Uniplan Étrier offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous process of bringing a vintage timepiece back to its original glory. This article delves into the unique design of the Uniplan Étrier, its historical context, and the nuanced considerations collectors face when undertaking such a significant restoration, particularly regarding dial preservation.

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This is my grandfather's watch. The crown, crystal and hands are not original, the center seconds hand is missing: such a mess, so I've decided to send the watch for a complete restoration.

Aesthetically outdated? Probably, but I still find this design very classy and unconventional, not to speak of the sentimental value of such a timepiece for me. Btw, "étrier" means "stirrup" and this design is linked to Hermès.

On this site, the JLC Uniplan Etrier has been mentioned, though rarely: in particular in 2016 by danelgrably & in 2022 by Brandon Skinner.

So that you can get a good idea of this model, I've included some photos found online of some examples with center seconds & with small seconds.

Best to you all.





A/ CENTER SECONDS MODELS

1/ Steel & black dial

















Caliber JLC 438



credit: eBay through marketplace


2/ Steel & silver dial













Caliber JLC 411 (credit: chronomania)   


3/ Gold & tropical dial





credit: pestel-debord


B/ SMALL SECONDS MODELS

1/ Steel & black dial



credit: chronostyle


2/ Gold & even numerals




3/ Gold & single 12



credit: pestel-debord 

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The Discussion
CH
ChristianDK
Feb 15, 2025
What an outstanding and wonderful watch.

A great project to restore the watch. I could not think of a better way to spend some money on watches. Just don’t let them touch the dial. Keep it as it shows the life of your grandfather. This model is truly wonderful and will be very chic to wear. With this on your wrist you will feel the envy of all other watch collectors in the room. I have the wrist watches from both my grandfathers. Both gold Omega. I wore one of them for my wedding and the other was gifted to me on the day my first was b

QU
quattro
Feb 15, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind and enthusiastic reaction, Christian!

The watch is already in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and I have received the quote for the restoration. The restoration of the dial is optional and, to be honest, I was about to accept it because they describe it as "faded and scratched". But your warning makes me hesitate: I will think it over a day or two... Once I will have accepted the quote, they say that the restoration will take no less than 55 weeks, so quite a long time, probably because they will have to manufacture the crystal, hands and

CH
ChristianDK
Feb 15, 2025
I had the same situation with Omega in Switzerland with one of them

It’s a solid gold dial but it’s very tainted (sorry dont have a picture here) the quote on the dial work alone was 2000 CHF so I gave it a second thought and today I’m so happy that I just kept it as it is. I feel it tells the story much better and the watch will be passed down to one of my sons and hopefully not leave the family. You should do what you feel is best for you but IMO People are too obsessed with perfection these days. To me, history and soul are much more important. You are lucky

QU
quattro
Feb 16, 2025
Thank you very much for your feedback, Christian.

I appreciate it a lot. I'm still giving it a thought, but I certainly keep what you say in mind. And I definitely feel very lucky to have to look after such a beautiful and meaningful watch. Thanks again and have a nice Sunday.

QU
quattro
Feb 22, 2025
Hi Christian,

I just wanted to let you know that I've finally decided to go for the full restoration. I was in Geneva last Tuesday and paid a visit to the JLC boutique, where I've been able to ask for advice and, after having looked closely at the photos of my grandfather's watch, the man who took care of me said that the corrosion on the sides of the dial was very pronounced and he therefore advised me, as Clavi, to either leave the watch as it is or go the full way. We'll see how it all ends up now that I'v

CH
ChristianDK
Feb 22, 2025
Hi,my friend

This makes very good sense. I look forward to seeing the results and I am almost as excited as you are. It’s a wonderful watch. Thank you for sharing this information. Now the looong wat has begun. Have a a great weekend, Emmanuel 🤗

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