Jaeger-LeCoultre

A friend of mine brought with him this nice Jaeger-LeCoultre from the 50ies.

I don't know this model very well, but it seems that JLC made some for theirselves, and some other for Hermes.

An indisputably original, yet very thin and elegant watch.





Simple, but sophisticated at the same time, don't you think?

The " rectangular square " shape of the case didn't have any other competitor.

The long curved " Etrier " lugs bring some sweetness to the case, and to the whole watch.

Classic but also original, with this crown located at 6 o'clock...

Obviously, this watch belongs to the " less is more " category.

The strict necessary is here, reminding you that the main goal of a watch is to give you the Time, but it does it with elegance and refinement.





I almost regret the " Swiss Made " writing at 6, which ruins a bit the purity of this Etrier.

At least, they had the good taste to not add " For Hermes " on the dial!

This last mention is discretely and elegantly engraved on the case back:



Indeed, some co brandings were brilliant!

Curiously, we don't often speak about these " Double Signature " Time Keepers, and especially, the Etrier.

Next Time, we'll try to see other magnificient examples such as Cartier / JLC ( Clavi has a superb Memovox Cartier...) or Dunhill / JLC.

To be followed...

Best,

Nicolas

is this system the same as the Radiomir? It's the detail I like on the Radiomir, I think it is very different and sport/chic elegant. Cheers, Francois.

And you had to stitch the strap to the lugs...

Here, it is different as you can see on the case back picture.

Yes, this is another very cool and elegant watch, my friend.

Best, Fracois.

Nicolas

I am sucker for that font on the hours. I believe a similar font is used on the GP Vintage 1945s also. That square (or rectangular) case and that font is very attractive or me. Very cool piece!

You hit a strong chord with the GP! You'll see, the font is not totally the same.

Best, Nicolas

so many curves on watch that at first look so "Square" This message has been edited by Ares501 on 2012-06-16 09:49:35

You won't have to sell the house or the children to get one...

And I can tell you that it will give you a lot of pleasure.

Best, Damjan.

Nicolas.

More toward late 60's - early 70's.

This because:

1. The case number - 1 2XX XXX, all watches from the 50's I have seen have been below 7 digit number on the case back.

2. The big case Etrier I have only seen traces of in 70's catalogues.

The smaller, ladies size I have seen a lot of in the 50's and 60's.

Any how - it's a beautiful watch and very special with this kind of lugs.

Very hard to find in the big size.

Thank you for sharing, my friend!

 

Best

Blomman

 

But I should have paid attention to the case number, which corresponds to a later era, definitely. Thanks for the correction, my friend.

Nicolas.

But I encountered one very recently and after that started to read up on the model.

Planning a post about it soon...

 

Best, my friend

Blomman

very intriguing piece.  Does the strap release levers cause any problems when worn? 

-MW

No message body

"Next Time, we'll try to see other magnificient examples such as Cartier / JLC ( Clavi has a superb Memovox Cartier...) or Dunhill / JLC."

Yes, double signed (or alternative-signed) are fun.

To be added to the shortlist of double-signatures: Türler, and of course Gübelin

(wearing this one today)

 

Now, back to the Etrier, this large model is definitively from the 60's (up to the early 70's for that model)

Etrier was a Jaeger / LeCoultre watch model from start, even before it was signed Hermes, although today it seems Hermes has made it its emblematic model for its contemporary lines.

I have Etriers in most versions, but my favorite one is definitely the very rare duoplan version from the 1930's, which is the foundation of the line (and is very seldomely seen, so I suspect very few were made)

Used to be sold as a gents watch at the time, now it feels definitively on the small size, even for me!

 

 

 

 

Indeed, a captivating world, which would deserve a dedicated topic!

Best, and bravo for your endless collection.

Nicolas