Here we have a 1940 Jaeger-LeCoultre Uniplan Model J, Stainless Steel cased rectangular watch. It has the two-piece case construction which was dust and waterproof. It has a neat slot for the recessed crown. The white painted dial is an uncommon configuration with the black painted Roman Numerals, lacking the sub-second dial. It is very reminiscent of Cartier’s styling. 
It is a hours and minutes only example, which is indicated by the thermally blued Sword hands. Inside is the LeCoultre calibre 413 manual wind movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping reliable time. 
 
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 persuits. 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 dial is a standout aspect of the watch. It is an uncommon variation due to the Roman numeral hour markers. This is also one of the few models with no second’s hand. This creates a clean an un-cluttered dial, very much of the dressier approach taken by Cartier during this period. 
The dial is original and is white painted, which has naturally aged to a darker tone. The roman numerals are exaggerated around the exterior of the dial, with the minutes railroad track following the rectangular shape of the case. Below 12 O’clock it is signed with the LeCoultre name. 
 
The case is well proportioned measuring 22mm wide by 29.25mm in length. It has added presence with the lug-to-lug measurement of 37.75mm. It has a slim depth of 9mm which makes it a comfortable wear on the wrist too. The Stainless-Steel case design of this model was revolutionary at the time. It consists of a solid rear piece which holds the movement in place. The front of the case with the crystal sits over this and slots inside of the outer line of the rear. This creates a seal which is dust and waterproof. This was uncommon at the time and had the benefit of protecting the movement and ensuring reliable time keeping. 
Typically, Jaeger Le-Coultre focused not just on function, but also form. Aesthetically the design of the case is beautiful. Form the top the dial is surrounded by the bevelled rectangular framing which has brushed finishing. This holds the original acrylic crystal which is a complex curve which interacts with the light beautifully. The right-hand side has a recess cut in for the crown which creates a seamless flow. The sides of the case are dual banded with the inner section extending beyond the outer, creating stepped effect. Visible from the sides is the downward turn of the lugs which allows the watch to sit comfortably on the curvature of the wrist. The rear extends beyond the front at the top and bottom, securing the strap and providing a barrier between the inside of the lugs and the wrist. The serial number dates the case to 1940. It is marked as Acier Staybrite, highlighting the prowess of a Stainless case in the period. 
 
The movement is a LeCoultre calibre 413. 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 -20 seconds a day. It has an amplitude of 220 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 white painted finish. It has a darkened aged tone. It has spots of discolouration and marking associated with age. The minute track, LeCoulre signing and the Roman numerals are all good and clear. 
 
Hands:
The hands are original and are of Sword style. They have the thermally blued finish which shines brightly in the light. They are free of bending.
 
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is original and is in good condition. It has no obvious marks.
 
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with light surface scratching. 
 
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and in good condition with no dents or deep scratching, only light surface scratches and natural polishing with age. The original brushed finish remains to the front and the sides. 
 
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 413. 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 -20 seconds a day. It has an amplitude of 210 degrees and a beat error of 2.2 m/s.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 22mm
Case width with crown: 22.3mm 
Case length: 29.25mm 
Case length lug to lug: 37.75mm
Case Depth: 9mm
Lug width: 17mm