JLC Earth Globe Mappemonde, Ref 163.

Dec 15, 2014,00:08 AM
 


 


 

 
 
Among the Vintage JLC World, we can find some nice treasures.
 
Undisputably, the Earth Globe ( Ref 163 ) belongs to this category.
 
A piece of History, with some countries whose names changed, and of poetry, like an astronomical watch or clock, but backward.
 
This desk clock was made in the 30ies, and starts to be quite sought after.
 
 
 
 
 
There are some reasons to explain this exit.
 
- Many of us dreamt of imaginary trips in our childhood, discovering all the continents of the world: Educative and entertaining, in the same time.
 
It was a bit like a lesson of Geography, but without the boring teacher!
 
- It is an original way to display the Hour.
 
Here, like with any other clock, the Hour is collective, not only offered to the owner of a wristwatch.
 
But there is a big difference with all the clocks we use to see: It gives you the time all over the world.
 
A World Time clock, indeed!
 
- As previously said, a piece full of romantism and poetry, a piece of Art.
 
How does it work?
 
There are 3 part: The base, housing the movement, the contrasted " ring " of the hours, dark for the night time, clear for the daytime, and the globe.
 
1/ The base:
 
It seems to be made in resin.
 
It is signed Jaeger-LeCoultre, and has an octogonal shape.
 
 
 
 
On the back, the movement, which can be wound by turning a big key, while you set the time with the stem, located beside the key:
 
 
 
 
Yes, you don't dream, there  is an electric plug, to light on the globe!
 
The movement has an autonomy of 7 days, and is pretty accurate the first 4 days.
 
2/ The ring of the hours:
 
You have 2 12 Hours Time Zones, one is clear, for the daytime, the other is dark, for the night time, but also a 24 hours scale, written in small, just above.
 
Each of these zones has a 15 minutes graduation.4
 
The disc is turning, and the 2 red triangles are used as a reference point when you read the hour.
 
 
 
 
3/ The globe.
 
To get an approximative idea of the time in the world, use a coin to unscrew the globe, then align your country with the red triangles on the ring of the hours with the country you live in.
 
 
 
 
So, you'll have the time in your country and the time everywhere else in the world, in a coordinated way.
 
Smart, isn't it?
 
Most of the globes we can see on the market ( there are not so many, by the way ) are resotred, due to the fragile covering.
 
So, finding an original one is certainly a plus to consider.
 
The dimensions are 25 cms high, and  approximatively 18 cms large.
 
A deocrative and nice horological object.
 
 
 
 
Turn the light on!
 
 
 
 
The lesson of Geography...
 
 
 
 
... And of History, with all the ex Colonies ownership:
 
 
 
 
In my opinion, a nice piece to seriously consider in any JLC Collection, and a witness of the impressive diversity and sense of the creation from " La Grande Maison ".
 
Looking forward to reading your comments, and hoping that you will enjoy the quick view,
 
Best.
 
Nicolas.
This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-15 01:03:04 This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-19 02:17:53

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Comments: view entire thread

 

It never ceases to amaze me to see some of Jaeger's historic creations.

 
 By: Greg D : December 15th, 2014-02:19
This is absolutely amazing - and so much an object of its time. Fantastic - thanks Nico.
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There are many treasures to discover or re discover, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : December 15th, 2014-02:20
This one is really awesome. And with so much poetry! Thanks for your input, Greg. Nicolas
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Historical amazement.. Horogically extravagant.. Time casule a bit, as well.. Nice clock !

 
 By: hs111 : December 15th, 2014-02:35
.. and even more than that, as it represents a true WT ! Lets you travel the world, so much nicer than Google Earth.. ;) Also like the enlighted appearance and the contrast to the " normal" state ! Truly nice artifact to start the week ! Best, hs
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One of many highlights

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : December 15th, 2014-02:35
of your beautiful apartment my friend Remember first time I entered immediately two things captured my attention besides excellent grappa on table :) this globe and X-mas frogman ;) Yours D
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You have a great memory, my friend. Yes! I am impressed.

 
 By: amanico : December 15th, 2014-11:46
Will have to have a glass of Grappa to recover from my emotions. ;) Best, Nicolas
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..and that pisthacio

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : December 15th, 2014-13:01
5508 was along grappa that day as our friend pplater said eidetic memory is curse :) after what was happening to me last 7 days I could really need grappa... a bottle of... Yours D
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LOL, I am amazed! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 15th, 2014-14:04
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What a beautiful piece of horology and collection Nicolas! It is amazing...

 
 By: Subexplorer : December 15th, 2014-04:08
... to view and think about the inventive of this brand. I would surely love to own on of these beautiful pieces. Never have seen in the real, just a few poor pictures of them. I thank you to present it here with such a detail and wonderful pictures to sh... 
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That is a tough challenge to find one in authentic and good condition.

 
 By: amanico : December 15th, 2014-11:49
And at a good price, too... But the pleasure is here. I own this one for some 5 years, now! Un abrazo, Amigo. Nicolas
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Fantastic clock, Nico!

 
 By: Ano Nuevo : December 15th, 2014-12:24
Thank you for this posting, with its useful historical data and wonderful photos. So many of JLC's desk clocks and wall clocks of the 30s are ripe for a re-interpretation, or in some cases, a true Tribute re-edition. JLC's few Atmos Tributes based upon th... 
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It would be great to see JLC revisiting some of this stuff, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : December 15th, 2014-12:27
There were many clocks and instruments which were great . I will post some, from time to time. Thanks for your feedback, my friend. Best, Nicolas
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What a superb object...

 
 By: foversta : December 17th, 2014-12:17
And like the worldtimers, a witness of the geopolitic context of that time. We would not need a lot of colours to display the possessions of the European countries now.... Thanks for the post! Fx
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My pleasure, Fx. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 17th, 2014-17:33
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One I still miss.....

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : December 19th, 2014-13:04
Love the Globe! :) This one I really should get. Best Blomman
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