Jaeger-LeCoultre 'Cornes de Vache' Chronograph, Silver Dial

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 dates to circa the 1950s and on top of the stunning yellow gold case, features one of the most respected movements from the era, if not, of all time. Coming in at approximately 35mm in diameter, the case features whimsical 'cows horn' lugs along with a screw-down caseback and 'pump' pushers. Inside, the silver dial with 'concentric' subsidiary registers is very nicely-preserved, with a largely clean surface and excellent text throughout. The applied 'dot' indices and '12' are complimented by a 'dauphine' handset with blued-steel chronograph hands. Powering this piece is the esteemed Valjoux Cal. 72 manually-wound movement, operated by a crown at the 3 o'clock position and 'pump' pushers at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions. 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.