Jaeger. 18k Gold Chronograph Wristwatch
Case No: 607xxx
Circa: 1947
Cal. 285 mechanical jeweled movement, silvered matte sandwich dial, baton numerals and Arabic 12 and 6, outer tachometer scale in blue, two sunken engine-turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minute register, circular case, two rectangular chronograph buttons in the band, snap on case back, case, dial, and movement signed.
35mm
More about Jaeger-LeCoultre:
It is well known that the Martel Watch Company produced chronograph movements for Zenith and Universal Genève. These chronograph movements were also supplied to other manufacturers, including Jaeger-LeCoultre. Even though the full “Jaeger-LeCoultre” name started being used in 1937, the separate use of “Jaeger” and “LeCoultre” continued for certain products and markets for several decades after. The present watch is a fine example of a chronograph wristwatch with just the “Jaeger” designation, and was produced for the French market.
The present chronograph features the caliber 285, mostly known for its use in the Universal Genève Uni-Compax – but was also used in Jaeger chronographs. The present watch features an unusual sandwich dial, where the indices and 12 and 6 numerals are cut out of the matte-finish to reveal a polished surface underneath. Consequently, the subsidiary dials are able to be sunken down further than most, all of which contributes to the beautiful depth of the dial. Both of these dial features compliment the champlevé "Jaeger" signatures and bright blue outer track, making this specimen a very attractive example.