Manufactured for two years, from 1952 - 1954 this is a rare and collectable piece from Jaeger Le-Coultre.
Simplicity is the key for this watch. As date complications became more mainstream, brands sought out new and exciting ways to incorporate such a function into a watch. Jaeger Le-Coultre naturally, led the way with ingenious design, exhibiting this harmonious marriage of form and function. This unusual Calendar Date Disc model possesses a simple but special characteristic: a calendar wheel and pointer activated through a neat pusher on the crown. One push advances the pointer by one day. This is a unique, clear and novel way of illustrating the date, which is only seen in this model
The resemblance to the Memovox is striking, with it having been introduced one year before. This exact model shares many similarities with the Memovox E851, with the same dial and stamped numerals.
The dial is completely original and is in good condition for the age. The dial has a silver base tone which has aged closer to a light cream tone. There is a simple minute track around the exterior of the dial, with alternating Arabic and arrow hour markers. The dial is signed Jaeger-LeCoultre neatly below 12 O’clock, with Swiss below 6 O’clock.
The rotating date disc is surrounded by blue date makers alternating between dot and Arabic. The disc has a three-dimensional arrow pointer which indicates the date, which is in good condition. The disc itself has a circular grained finish and has a silver base tone. There is some aging to the date wheel near the centre of the hands and around the exterior. The dial also has some aging and darker areas surrounding the hour marks.
The case is well proportioned measuring 34mm x 34mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 41mm. This means the watch wears well on any wrist, even if you are used to a larger watch. The depth is 10mm including the dome of the crystal, but the case itself is rather slim.
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and consists of 3 pieces. The bezel is polished and is in very good condition, with only light surface scratching. The middle section of the case has a brushed finish to the sides and is also in very good condition, with only light surface scratches. The top and bottom of the lugs has a polished finish, with contrasts nicely with the brushed sides. The case back has a polished finish on the sides and it is in good condition.
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in decent condition for the age. It has a polished finish to the curved section, with a brushed finish to the flat surface. The serial number is clearly engraved on the case back.
The hands are original. They are gold tone Alpha style hands. It seems that the model was offered in two styles, Dauphine and Alpha.
The crown appears is original and is a great size and shape. It has a lovely coin edge finish. The pusher is positioned on the end.
The movement is a Jaeger Le-Coultre calibre P810/A. It has the serial number 821905.
It has 17 jewels, shock protection and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It is an excellent movement, sturdy/well-constructed with Haute Horlogerie finishing. It has Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges, with perlage underneath the balance and escapement.
The movement has been recently serviced and is keeping very good time.
It has a daily gain of +12 seconds, with an amplitude of 275 degrees and a beat error of 0.5 m/s.
Dial:
The dial is completely original and is in good condition for the age. This example is not as crisp as some others, but being a rare watch, originality is still vital. The dial has a silver base tone which has aged closer to a light cream tone. There is a simple minute track around the exterior of the dial, with alternating Arabic and arrow hour markers. The dial is signed Jaeger-LeCoultre neatly below 12 O’clock, with Swiss below 6 O’clock.
The rotating date disc is surrounded by blue date makers alternating between dot and Arabic. The disc has a three-dimensional arrow pointer which indicates the date, which is in good condition. The disc itself has a circular grained finish and has a silver base tone. There is some aging to the date wheel near the centre of the hands and around the exterior. The dial also has some aging and darker areas surrounding the hour marks.
Hands:
The hands are original. They are gold tone Alpha style hands. It seems that the model was offered in two styles, Dauphine and Alpha. They are in good condition with no bending and minimal corrosion.
Glass:
The crystal appears to be original. It has been polished as best as possible, but still has some scratches visible on certain angles. Straight on as you would check the time, these scratches aren’t very visible.
Crown:
The crown appears is original and is a great size and shape. It has a lovely coin edge finish. The pusher is positioned on the end.
Case:
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and consists of 3 pieces. The bezel is polished and is in very good condition, with only light surface scratching. The middle section of the case has a brushed finish to the sides and is also in very good condition, with only light surface scratches. The top and bottom of the lugs has a polished finish, with contrasts nicely with the brushed sides. The case back has a polished finish on the sides and it is in good condition.
Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in decent condition for the age. It has a polished finish to the curved section, with a brushed finish to the flat surface. The serial number is clearly engraved on the case back, with light surface scratching in many areas, consistent with age.
Strap:
The strap is a replacement Hirsch leather strap which is in suitable condition. The lug measurement is 17mm making finding straps difficult.
Movement:
The movement is a Jaeger Le-Coultre calibre P810/A. It has the serial number 821905.
It has 17 jewels, shock protection and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It is an excellent movement, sturdy/well-constructed with Haute Horlogerie finishing. It has Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges, with perlage underneath the balance and escapement.
The movement has been recently serviced and is keeping very good time.
It has a daily gain of +12 seconds, with an amplitude of 275 degrees and a beat error of 0.5 m/s.
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 34mm
Case width with crown: 35mm
Case length: 34mm
Case length lug to lug: 41mm
Lug width: 17mm
Case Depth: 10mm