Here we have a standout 1933 Jaeger-LeCoultre Uniplan of expressive Art Deco design, with the applied, curved fancy lugs. It is a central second’s variation with the silver dial and raised silver chapter ring for the seconds. The hours alternate between Arabic numerals and exaggerated dashes. The dial has the full Jaeger-LeCoultre signing with Fabrique En Suisse. It has the stainless-steel case which is rectangular with the two-piece case construction which was dust and waterproof. The neat crown sits flush to the case on the right-hand side. The lugs are a standout design on this reference, extending clear of the case and hooking around to meet the strap. It has the original thermally blued bevelled Sword hands with the lollipop counterbalance central second hand. Inside is the LeCoultre calibre 438 manual wind movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping reliable time for the age.

The most famous Art Deco model from Jaeger-LeCoultre during the 1930s and 1940s is the Reverso. Its ingenious design protected the watch during sporting pursuits.

But there are other icons of the Art Deco period from LeCoultre. Rectangular watches were the trend through the 1930s, with Jaeger-LeCoultre excelling in this field. This model is known as the ‘Uniplan’, referring to the single plane of the movements design, as opposed to the two-level construction of the famous Duoplan movement. It was a water-resistant design which demonstrated Jaeger-LeCoultres pioneering, practical design, whilst also having seldom seen central seconds. This dial variation was also used on the central seconds Reverso’s, making this an interesting link between the two models. This example also has particularly expressive Art Deco elements. The exaggerated dash markers with alternating Bauhaus numerals. The architectural, flowing lugs. It’s a real treat for any fan of Art Deco or Jaeger LeCoultre watches.

The dial has the silver base tone with the painted finish, which has aged to a darker tone in areas. The central second dial variation offers a pleasing design with the applied chapter ring. This central ring is raised and has the bright silver finish with the engine turned design catching the eye. It has the seconds railroad track, with arrow markers on the 5 second graduations and Arabic numerals. The hour markers alternate between the Bauhaus inspired Arabic numerals and the dash markers which exaggerate and stretch towards the corners. The dial is signed below 12 with the full Jaeger-LeCoultre signing, with ‘Fabrique En Suisse’ below. The hands are the classic Sword design used by Jaeger-LeCoultre during the era. They have the thermally blued finish which shines brightly in the light with the electric blue tone. The hands have a further touch of class with the bevel to the centre. The central second is neat and thin with the lollipop counterbalance.

The case is neatly proportioned measuring 22mm wide x 31mm in length. The lugs add presence, taking the total lug-to-lug measurement of 37mm. It has a slim depth of 8.5mm which makes it a comfortable wear.

The case is rectangular and has the polished finish to the front and sides. The bezel is thin with the notch neatly holding the complex curved crystal. It then bevels and falls away from the dial, running into the sides and ends of the case. The lug design is eye-catching, joined to the top of the sides, curving inwards to meet the strap and downwards to mould to the wrist. This swooping C shaped design is highly unusual and is the standout aspect of this watch. The sides of the case are flat and have the polished finish. To the right is the thin and neat crown, which sits flush to the case. The case back mirrors the front, with the polished bevelled surround. It has a brushed finish to the main face, with the engraving ‘Acier Inoxydable, Fab.Suisse’ with the serial number to the bottom ‘385900’.

The movement is a LeCoultre calibre 438, which is a manually wound movement. It has a jewel count of 17 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within 30 seconds variation a day, with a strong amplitude of 310 degrees.

Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment/aid the description provided below. The watch is modelled on a 7" wrist diameter.

Dial:
The dial is original with its silver painted finish. It has a darkened aged tone with spots of discolouration and loss of paint mainly to the corners. The signing is clear, with the original silvered seconds chapter ring. There are some scratches to the dial.

Hands:
The hands are original and are of bevelled Sword style. They have the thermally blued finish which shines brightly in the light. They are free of bending. The central second hand is original with lollipop counterbalance.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is original and is in decent condition. It has been scuffed and polished to the top right edge in the past.

Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with light surface scratching.

Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and in good vintage condition with no dents or deep scratching, only light surface scratches and natural polishing with age.

Caseback:
The Stainless-Steel case back is in good condition for the age. It has the brushed finish with light marking. The serial number and Steel marking are well defined.

Strap:
The watch is on a new genuine leather strap. It is not Jaeger-LeCoultre. It will fit any wrist size.

Movement:
The movement is the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 438. It is manually wound and has a jewel count of 17. It has a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within 30 seconds variation a day. It has an amplitude of 310 degrees and a beat error of 1.7 m/s.

Case Dimensions:
Case width: 21.75mm
Case width with crown: 22.25mm
Case length: 31mm
Case length lug to lug: 37mm
Case Depth: 8.4mm
Lug width: 16mm