Here we have a 1933 Jaeger-LeCoultre Uniplan which is a central seconds model with the Stainless Steel case, of rectangular shape. It has 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. The silver painted dial is a central second variation with the applied chapter ring having the engine turned finish. The hours alternate between Arabic numerals and dashes. The dial has the full Jaeger-LeCoultre signing. 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 and 1940s. LeCoultre produced such watches, with similar models having variations to dials and cases, whilst using the same movements. These were 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.
This example:
The case is well proportioned measuring 22mm wide by 31mm in length. It has added presence with the lug-to-lug measurement of 37mm. It has a slim depth of 8.5mm which makes it a comfortable wear on the wrist too.
It is a simple rectangular central section with the polished dial surround having the bevelled edge. The sides of the case and flat with the polished finish. The lug design is eye-catching, joined to the top of the sides, curving inwards to meet the strap and downwards to match the wrist. This swooping C shaped design is highly unusual and is the standout aspect of this watch. Not to detract from the symmetry of the design, 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 dating it to 1933.
The dial is a central second variation which 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 elongate and stretch towards the corners.
The base tone is a silver painted finish, which has aged to a darker tone in areas and has marking associated with age.The dial is signed to the centre with the full Jaeger-LeCoultre signing.
The movement is a LeCoultre calibre 438. It is a manual wind movement, which 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 and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original with its silver painted finish. It has a darkened aged tone. It has spots of discolouration and loss of paint in areas associated with age and wear. The signing is clear, with the original silvered seconds chapter ring.
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 light marking. It has the brushed finish, which appears to have been re-done in the past. The serial number is good and defined as is the Steel marking.
Strap:
The watch is on a new genuine leather strap. It is not LeCoultre.
Movement:
The movement is a 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