Jaeger Le-Coultre Oval Ellipse - Automatic

Year: Circa 1980s
Model: Oval Ellipse
Case Diameter: 26mm 
Lug to Lug: 30mm
Case: Steel
Condition: No significant wear as seen
Dial: White
Movement: Automatic

Condition
Coming from a recent service the Caliber 900 is fully functional including a quickset date. The painted dial has some aging on the edge but it is still very clean. The case looks to be unpolished with a 4 screw case back, all in steel. The watch comes on a Huntington Company Strap. 

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Oval features the caliber 900. An ultra-thin, high frequency, automatic watch. It sits fairly large on the wrist for a watch of this era, but is the perfect size for a fine Men's dress watch by today's standards. The caliber 900 is one of the first in-house manufactured automatic ultra-thins of the early master series, still in production today using the lower frequency caliber 899.

This reference from the Master series came in a handful of different configurations. Material-wise, you can find them in both steel and sold gold. Some of the precious metal examples even have integrated bracelets similar to the Patek Ellipse. Dial options also come into play with roman dials like this and solid color dials like blue and silver.

Jaeger-LeCoultre, a Swiss watch brand, has been producing unique calibers since 1833 under the name La Grande Maison. The company's roots can be traced back to Antoine LeCoultre, an inventor who established a workshop in the village of Le Sentier. Today, JLC produces over 1,300 unique calibers and has 430 registered patents. The Heritage Gallery showcases many of these movements, which are often pioneering and have been used in timepieces with names like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin.

The company's focus on branding, brand awareness, and brand perception is evident in its unique approach to watchmaking. The company produces over 6,000 swages for each new movement, which is impressive from an engineering perspective. The factory tour also offers a glimpse into the atelier where watchmakers restore vintage creations, focusing on functionality and daring designs.

JLC's Gyrotourbillon, a complex watch invented by the company, is not just limited edition masterpieces but also a creation that requires thorough understanding to appreciate. The Reverso, a rectangular watch with a reversible case, is a classic watch with a round case, making it a popular choice for sports enthusiasts. In contrast, TAG Heuer Monaco and Cartier are more popular luxury brands, with their Tank models being the perfect choice for less informed individuals seeking a rectangular luxury watch with a recognizable style. In conclusion, Jaeger-LeCoultre is a prestigious watch brand that focuses on precision, mechanics, and technical innovation.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, a unique and iconic watch, has been reintroduced by the luxury watch manufacturer JLC after the Quartz Crisis. The watch has been a favorite among many, with its reversible case and intricate watch cases making it an alternative to round watches. The Reverso is a family favorite, with fewer direct competitors and a unique shape that makes it a favorite among generations. However, the brand needs to focus on the needs of Generation Alpha, who want to feel accepted and need confirmation from brands and influencers. To reach Generation Alpha, JLC could use digital tools to present itself boldly and with more bravado watches, while maintaining the same quality watches. The brand could also choose between pushing rectangular or round watches, but it should not overdo it. The Atmos clock is ticking, and Jaeger-LeCoultre should consider rebranding the brand to cater to the needs of Generation Alpha and beyond.