Hello Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Lovers,
I am back with just a small observation…
If someone mentions JLC case backs to you, what do you think of?
I think many would think about open case backs…
Me – one of the first things I think of is the planet-sphere!
AFAIK, the Geomatic was the first watch with the golden medallion on the back.
The medallion on the Geomatic was inspired from the Geophysic that had a sticker on the back.
Photo credit, Nicolas.
The planet-sphere came from the IGY, 1958.
Scan credit, Nicolas.
This planet-sphere gold medallion has been used for over 40 years on different JLC watches.
Last series that used the golden medallion was (AFAIK) the Master Compressor series, discontinued just a few years ago.
Here is the Master Compressor Memovox.
Over the years the golden medallion evolved and was used on many different watches with solid case backs.
Like the Master Control.
Also in different material, here shown in YG on the Master Revéil.
BUT, did you know that JLC started to use this symbol much earlier?!
1937 in this Jaeger ad a planet is used as a symbol of… Time?
Jaeger, French ad, 1937.
The latest series of watches from Le Grand Maison using planet-spheres on the back is the new Master series.
Master Memovox International.
Now the golden medallion is gone…
Too bad – a detail I am really fond of.
But the planet is still there - or IS it?!
If you look real close on the photo and then look at this old ad from 1947…
Jaeger-LeCoultre, French ad, 1947.
You will realize that the designers at Jaeger-LeCoultre did go back much longer then 1958 to find inspiration for this one!
Thank you for reading Part #4 of this Vintage Ads Series.
Hope you enjoyed!
Best
Blomman
Vintage Ads: The Series – Intro!
Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #1 Futurematic
Vintage Ads: The Series – Part #2 Memovox Pocket Alarms
Vintage Ads – Part #3 Electronic
This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-07-02 11:55:47