Jaeger-LeCoultre Chronograph ref. E-2644, Blue 'Gradient' Dial Valjoux 72

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most well-rounded and storied brands in the history of watchmaking. They are not only known for models, but also, at least in the world vintage watches, equally known for their movements — a surprisingly unique accolade that is perhaps unmatched by any other brand. Be there no doubt, the most popular and well-known model from the brand is the properly iconic Reverso, but the brand offers so much more with model families like the Memovox, the Deep-Sea, and a wide range of complicated calendar watches. The collector community certainly knows it, but what is lesser-known are models without names like the fantastic chronograph that we have here. This three-register chronograph Reference E-2644 dates to circa the late 1960s and on top of that striking blue dial, features one of the most respected movements from the era, if not, of all time. Coming in at approximately 36mm in diameter, the case design is reminiscent of the Heuer Carrera from the same era, with faceted, angles lugs and a screw-down caseback. Inside, powering this piece is the esteemed Valjoux Cal. 72 manually-wound movement, operated by a crown at the 3 o'clock position and 'pump'-style pushers at the 2 and 4 o'clock position. The wildly cool dial in this example is not only very rare (most examples of this Reference seem to have a black dial), but remains in exceptional condition. The contrasting white subsidiary registers are complimetned by a white tachymetre scale on the outside where the gradient effect changes to black, a white-painted chronograph hand, and white "LeCoultre" text on the top half. It has applied 'faceted' round steel indices with blue inserts and a polished steel handset to match. Considering JLC is very much know for its in-house movements, this piece is somewhat ironic with its Valjoux movement, which we think, make it all that more interesting. Seemingly lost to time and overshadowed by its contemporaries form other brands, this piece is an absolute gem and theres no saying when another like it may surface on the open market.