Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #4 The Planet-Sphere
Hello Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Lovers,
I am back with just a small observation…
If someone mentions JLC case backs to you, what do you think of?
I think many would think about open case backs…
Me – one of the first things I think of is the planet-sphere!
AFAIK, the Geomatic was the first watch with the golden medallion on the back.
The medallion on the Geomatic was inspired from the Geophysic that had a sticker on the back.
Photo credit, Nicolas.
The planet-sphere came from the IGY, 1958.
Scan credit, Nicolas.
This planet-sphere gold medallion has been used for over 40 years on different JLC watches.
Last series that used the golden medallion was (AFAIK) the Master Compressor series, discontinued just a few years ago.
Here is the Master Compressor Memovox.
Over the years the golden medallion evolved and was used on many different watches with solid case backs.
Like the Master Control.
Also in different material, here shown in YG on the Master Revéil.
BUT, did you know that JLC started to use this symbol much earlier?!
1937 in this Jaeger ad a planet is used as a symbol of… Time?
Jaeger, French ad, 1937.
The latest series of watches from Le Grand Maison using planet-spheres on the back is the new Master series.
Master Memovox International.
Now the golden medallion is gone…
Too bad – a detail I am really fond of.
But the planet is still there - or IS it?!
If you look real close on the photo and then look at this old ad from 1947…
Jaeger-LeCoultre, French ad, 1947.
You will realize that the designers at Jaeger-LeCoultre did go back much longer then 1958 to find inspiration for this one!
Thank you for reading Part #4 of this Vintage Ads Series.
Hope you enjoyed!
Best
Blomman
Vintage Ads: The Series – Intro!
Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #1 Futurematic
Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #2 Memovox Pocket Alarms
Vintage Ads – Part #3 Electronic
This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-07-02 11:55:47Actually, when I think of JLC casebacks...
... I'm thinking of something like this:
However, after reading your post I might be changing my mind.
Excellent article!
gatorcpa
Agreed, Gatorcpa. I would also add...
The Gyrotourbillon and the Duometre.
Best,
Nicolas.
Ah, the sun feather! :)
Yes, another beautiful and significant trade of JLC and their case backs!
As I understand JLC have patented this pattern for movements decoration.
Thank you, Gatorcpa – hope to one day join you in the MMR club!
Best
Blomman
Very interesting observations about this topic, Blomman.
The planet sphere is certainly one element of JLC DNA.
It is very interesting to see the evolution of the planisphere design through the byears.
The one from 1947 is without hesitationj my favourite. No wonder why I love the one on the new Master Memo case back so much!
Best and thanks for such a great post.
Nicolas
Many different things to discover in old documents…
I was very surprised when I saw this one and made the connection!
Was actually planning to write about another topic when I saw this…
Indeed the Planet-Sphere is a part of the JLC DNA!
I hope it won’t get lost…
Thank you for your kind words and the reference post honour!
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2011-07-03 02:37:36favorite one so far...
thx for sharing
J
Maybe a small but very significant detail...
And IMO, a very intimate detail as you normally don’t show to others.
A detail just for your own pleasure!
Thank you, J !
Best
Blomman
As soon as it is about JLC and Planet-Sphere...
Both an impressive World Time clock and a beautiful historical object, don't you think?
Blomman, thank you again for your posts and your selection of ads,
Regards,
Still hunting the strap for this one. :) Totally agree with you, Marv. [nt]
Ah, yes!
The actual Globe!
On my hunting list for some time now…
A question of clarification: the electric cord is it for the lamp only or also for the movement?
Marv, as I know you are a connoisseur in old ads and documents it makes me very happy you like this one.
Thank you!
Best
Blomman
The electric cord is it for the lamp only
Otherwise, the clock movement is a 8-day mecanical movement.
Regards,
Thank you for the confirmation, Marv!
I have read earlier that it has an 8-day movement.
But when I saw the electrical connectors I got worried…
Best
Blomman
Thank you for sharing with us Blomman!
As a Jaeger fan I really apreciate when those of you enlighted share your hard earned knowledge with us mere mortals
Master Compressor Memovox is one of my favourites (Now that it's been discontinued, I have an eye on one...but don't tell anyone), and that hidden medallion is part of the charm...
It always appeared such a beautiful detail to me.
Now I know more of it.
Thank's really!
Best! René
Hi René!
I hope you find your MCM!
One of my favourite modern watches, actually she is my daily beater!
A lady you can dress up or down depending on your mood…
Thank you for your kind words!
Best
Blomman
What a nice planetsphere .. A globe can be.. Elements of joy to look at :))
- your selection and focus on the backside of some iconic pieces and ads
was again quite educative and somehow puts things into an interesting perspective.
You are right, some of these beautiful backsides, are simply beautiful,
and so balanced in attractiveness and appeal !
Luckily, I share the pleasure for some of them ( no, neither the Geomatic nor the 'unreachable'
Geophysic..).
Thank you for having 'turned the page',
very nice read !
Best for your Sunday,
hs
Well, HS…
In the world of JLC a lot of “hidden” pleasures!
Almost like an archaeologist you have to look under every stone to get the whole picture!
Thank you, HS – hope you have a great Sunday!
Best
Blomman
Hej, blomman.. Which kind of piece on the left of your last picture ??
- Next and lefy to your lovely Geomatic, ( another Geo.... ??)
Almost hesitant to use the word ? ...
Did I miss something here ?
Anyway, great post - and IF my snses are right, well - then unbelievably nice !
Pretty mesmerized I curiously remain,
Best,
hs
This magnificent duo ! .. Happily I had been fortunate to see it once .. With you :))
Good that some caffeine was there ..
THAT was real pleasure
)But with Blomman ?
- nice Sunday surprise
My best to you,
hs
First time is always hard to forget…!
Especially like in your case, a parade of Grail watches in front of your eyes!
Happens to me every time I am in Paris…
I am thinking about asking the French government to ban me from French soil!
At least that is what my heart doctor is recommending…
Best
Blomman
You don't miss anything?! ;)
Yes, in the photo is my Geo duo..!
Best, my sharp eyed friend!
Blomman
OMG.. stunned.. mesmerized, as well !! :))
-- as had not been aware,
that also the uncomparable, unbeatable Geophysic
was with you..
-- Delighted for you, honestly .. with a (tiny) Little envy, as well..
Even more, thanks for that so 'en Passant' , nevertheless
beautiful share of these all-time icons, albeit from a teasing distance,
but sooo pleasant
)Very best for Sunday,
hs
Great post Blomman
I really love medalion on the back of my MMI even if it is not in gold.
Best regards,
George
Thank you, George!
Yes, I love the MMI medallion too!
But imagine if it was in RG..?
Best
Blomman