This is not merely a device for telling the time, this is a piece of art. It is a poorly hidden secret that I am deeply infatuated with many of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designs, yet this is normally within the world of watches (reverso, Uni-plan, Duo-plan etc).
Today I present a true work of art from Jaeger-LeCoultre dating from 1956, the height of mid-century modern styling. Of course, you can still see the extravagance associated with the Art Deco period within this clock with the frosted sections and cylindrical design. This clock is the perfect intersection of styles, achieving a modern yet timeless ooze of class.
Inside of the brass stand which ties together the plexiglass surround, you will find an iconic movement, the baguette or in-line 16 jewel calibre, which appears to be floating inside of the plexiglass cylinder.
This is the aspect which makes these clocks completely captivating with the ability to see the mechanical movement visibly working. Many watch lovers may think of the Corum golden bridge timepiece when they see this clock, but this was one of the earliest instalments of this famous form of design.
The term “Baguette” or “in-line” refers to the elongated, rectangular shape of the movement, with the length far greater than the width (3 times). Jaeger-Lecoultre launched their calibre 101 movement in 1929, at which time it was the world’s smallest movement. They later released the calibre 210 in-line movement used in their clocks, which re-arranged the parts of a round watch calibre into the famous straight line, for aesthetic appeal.
Many brands created similar style movements, but the reason for this being a rarely seen configuration was the complexity and cost. This is why I have such incredible admiration for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s pieces. They pushed the boundaries of traditional design, in the process creating some of the most collectable horological works of art.
This clock:
The clock comes in it’s original case, signed 348 to the bottom, the same as the base of the clock. It is signed Jaeger-LeCoultre to the front, with a deep Blue dimpled leather effect case. The interior with the white satin cloth finish, also bearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre name.
This example measures 16.5mm high, with a width of 10cm. The depth of the clock is 7mm to the centre, with the top and base having a depth of 10cm.
The clock is a layered design, semi cylindrical with the form of an hourglass. This is a beautiful design which plays with different textures and depth, operating on many planes. This is a complex piece which is designed to be enjoyed from any angle.
The brass structure of the clock consists of the base platform, the top platform and two brass
Pillars tying it together. The tone is darker than polished brass, with a light bronze tone having developed. The numerals, hands, movement are bright, with a significant amount of light passing through the plexiglass heart of the block. The brass structure provides an intriguing Wabi-Sabi effect of natural aging.
The base plate is in good original condition. The outer section has a bronzed tone, whilst within the plexiglass the tone is golden. Within the plexiglass there is some spotting to the surface finish of the brass. The base plate has a personal engraving to the rear “Cedric-Ann January 1956”.
The side pillars are in good condition. They have a mixed tone where the outside has oxidised more than the inside. There is some marking related to oxidisation.
The top plate has an even bronze tone to the top. The underside has some spotting and oxidisation on the surface of the brass. The inside section is brighter gold in tone.
The movement/movement plate meets with a curved front plexiglass, to create a semi cylinder. The front curved piece of plexiglass is in good condition.
The movement plate holds the movement and meets the curved front the form the semi cylinder chamber. The plexiglass plate is in good condition. It has some light surface scratching associated with age. The tone is good and transparent, with no yellowing. It is signed to the bottom “Jaeger-LeCoultre, 8, Swiss”.
The hourglass design is achieved with faceted pillars each side, with the 8, 9, 10 markers and the 2, 3, 4 markers. These sit level with the rest of the numerals and the movement. The clock is designed with deep central hour markers to add intrigue to the layers of design. These pillars have a faceted edge which form the shape of an hourglass.
The 11, 12, 1 and 5, 6, 7 o’clock numerals are mounted into the movement base plate.
These hours are elongated which creates an excellent effect. They are in good condition with a clean gold tone.
The rear Plexiglass hourglass pillars are frosted at the front. This creates a beautiful frosted layer which breaks the layers of the clock, creating depth. They are in very good condition with only some light surface scratching. The tone is good and transparent, with no yellowing.
The movement is a Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 210 movement with an 8 day power reserve. The movement is in good condition cosmetically and is keeping good time. It has a daily gain of +11 seconds.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Brass Structure (base, top sides):
The base plate is in good original condition. The outer section has a bronzed tone, whilst within the plexiglass the tone is golden. Within the plexiglass there is some spotting to the surface finish of the brass. The base plate has a personal engraving to the rear “Cedric-Ann January 1956”.
The top plate has an even bronze tone to the top. The underside has some spotting and oxidisation on the surface of the brass. The inside section is brighter gold in tone.
The side pillars are in good condition. They have a mixed tone where the outside has oxidised more than the inside. There is some marking related to oxidisation.
Plexiglass:
There is light surface scratching as expected with age and one small mark, near 3 O’clock. This mark is polishable. The tone is good and transparent, with no yellowing.
Movement plate:
The plexiglass plate is in good condition. It has some light surface scratching associated with age. The tone is good and transparent, with no yellowing.
Internal Plexiglass hourglass numeral pillars:
They are in good condition, with no obvious scratches. The tone is good and transparent, with no yellowing.
Rear of movement
The rear of the movement extends to the open side of the plexiglass layer. This allows you to wind and set the clock. It has tarnishing to the finish.
Rear Plexiglass frosted hourglass pillars:
They are in very good condition with only some light surface scratching. The tone is good and transparent, with no yellowing.