For sale we have a 1935 Jaeger Le-Coultre Duoplan Gents tank watch in Stainless Steel, with a calibre 409 rear winding Duoplan movement. It is a gents size model at 22mm wide by 25mm long, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 35mm. 
 
This is an Art Deco icon, with its incredibly ingenious movement design and rear winding crown, enabling it to be very stylish with its tank shaped case. At just 7mm deep without crown, this is a thin watch for the era. 
 
The black dial with arrow hour markers is a classic of the period, a dial variant also used on the Reverso models. The dark dial contrasts with the bright Stainless case, creating an incredibly sleek piece of design.
 
This example is original throughout and has a naturally aged dial, with a very clean case.
Introduced in 1925 the Duoplan was one of the pre-eminent icons manufactured by LeCoultre during the Art Deco period. The Reverso was created some 6 years after this momentous design. The Duoplan was predominantly a female designed watch, with this example being one of the rare examples to be created in a gentlemen's size in this era.
 
It was called the DuoPlan in reference to the structure of its movement. The fashion at that time was for extremely small wristwatches. Yet, extreme miniaturisation often results in a loss of reliability. The Duoplan provided a simple and ingenious way to reconcile technical excellence and elegance, with its movement being built on two levels. This enabled it to maintain a large-size balance and thus, more accurate timekeeping.
 
The Duoplan was insured by Lloyds of London, for two years after the date of purchase, benefitting from a unique after-sales service. The damaged movement could be replaced within a few moments, leading the London-based store owner Tyme to proclaim in its shop window: “you won’t have time to finish your cigarette before your watch is repaired”.
 
An innovative, uncommon and little-known watch, with few examples in this larger size. We anticipate the demand and interest in such pieces from Jaeger-LeCoultre to continue to grow.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is original and has signs of ageing. It has speckled loses of paint across the dial, visible in the macro images. It is stable and there is no risk of further paint flaking off with careful wear.
 
Hands:
The hands are original and have been repainted as the original off-white paint had cracked.
 
Glass:
The glass is original and is in very good condition. There are no marks to the bevelled edges.
 
Crown:
The crown is original and is in excellent condition with light surface scratching. The winding arrow is clear.
 
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and in good condition with no dents or deep scratching, only light surface scratches. The brushed finish remains on the upper and lower section of the bezel.
 
Caseback:
The Stainless-Steel case back is in very good condition. It has only light surface scratches. It has a lightly etched service mark below the serial number.
 
Strap:
The watch is on a 16mm black leather strap with stainless steel buckle. It will fit up to a 7.75” wrist diameter.
 
Movement:
A Recently serviced LeCoultre calibre 409 movement, with 15 jewels, adjusted to temp and two positions. Keeping time to within +50 seconds a day.
 
Case dimensions: 
Case width: 22mm
Case length: 25mm 
Case length lug to lug: 35mm
Case Depth: 7mm
Lug width: 16mm