Jaeger-LeCoultre ‘Rue De La Paix’ Street Lamp Clock
About the Item
- Creator:Jaeger-LeCoultre (Clockmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:East Sussex, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU274037788133
Jaeger-LeCoultre
The exquisite art of watchmaking is on display in the distinctive designs of Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Swiss manufacturer is celebrated for its striking Art Deco–era antique clocks, while its range of sumptuous luxury watches spans the gamut of modern design, each one a time capsule of its period.
Jaeger-LeCoultre was established in 1833 by watchmaker Antoine LeCoultre in the Vallée de Joux of the Swiss mountains. LeCoultre was also an inventor who, in 1844, created the millionomètre. As the first instrument to measure thousandths of a millimeter with total accuracy, it refined the meticulous watchmaking process. By 1866, LeCoultre's son, Elie LeCoultre, took over the business. He revolutionized watchmaking by bringing all 180 skills involved in the trade into one workshop: LeCoultre Cie Manufacture.
By 1903, the company had passed to Antoine LeCoultre's grandson, Jacques-David LeCoultre. He created a signature line of ultra-thin watches in partnership with Edmond Jaeger, a French watchmaker who specialized in flat watch cases. In 1907, Louis Cartier signed a contract with Jaeger so that Cartier would have movements for its popular timepieces produced exclusively at LeCoultre in Switzerland. This era saw the debut of Cartier’s Santos as well as its Tank watch.
Watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre began to experiment with the Art Deco style that had encompassed the 1920s and the 1930s. At the time, there were many influences that led to the creation of Art Deco jewelry, while the cases of Art Deco clocks featured architectural details and saw an integration of materials such as brass, glass and marble. Iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre designs from this era include the 1928 Atmos clock and the Reverso watch. Stylish and practical, the coveted Reverso watch features a case that you can flip to protect the watch face.
During the 1950s and '60s, Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers continued the manufacturer’s tradition of prioritizing practical reliability. In 1958, the company introduced the robust and durable Geophysic watch collection. The Memovox Polaris, an alarm-equipped dive watch one could wear underwater, followed in 1968.
The best-known timepiece in the company's modern collection is the Master Control watch, unveiled in 1992. It symbolizes a return to the thin style and performance-first ethic of classic Jaeger-LeCoultre. In 2018, the watchmaker also launched the Polaris collection. Inspired by the original Memovox, the series features a sporty, elegant and contemporary look.
Find vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatches and pocket watches on 1stDibs.
You May Also Like
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
20th Century French Post-Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze, Enamel
Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Metal
Vintage 1970s Swiss More Clocks
Onyx
Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Mantel Clocks
Lucite
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
1990s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Brass, Enamel
Vintage 1920s Swiss Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks
Leather
Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Bronze
20th Century Swiss Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Metal, Gold Plate, Brass
