I was going to put this in the “other watch brand” section, but putting Jaeger LeCoultre in a sub-form showing the ETA logo just seemed wrong...



Often mangled, let’s start with how to pronounce the brand... though I rarely say it aloud. There are variations, so pick one that works for you.

A brief history of the manufacture as told by...

And some mine over the years, all vintage so far.

 

I'm a fan (of modern)

Blue dial is a favorite. Love the look and style.

Gold dial was one I bought 4 or 5 years ago. Amazing condition given its age.

Silver dial is the one I bought at goodwill for $6.99.

Unfortunately these three combined do not get worn but a few times a year. I'm not a dress watch guy.

 

Really like that top one. Bid on one on the ‘Bay a couple of years back but didn’t get it haven’t seen another since. The modern JLC have not worked their way up my wish list vs. other vintage, though I do very much like them.

 

Some very nice ones already. Ok so here's my very humble collection.
The one on the right I inherited from my granny whose bro was a navigator in the war..though I'm not sure its that old:

Then I found the twin in France..the case is getting fixed.
Next up a cal 478 that was in a mixed watch lot of amazing watches for amazing cheap. I sold the others off to get it up and running:

Again I found this ref E329 cal 298 in France. Apparently only 4121 were made in steel from 57-62...You do see them show up on ebay from time to time but they are not cheap.


I really wanted a Powermatic and a Futurematic to round off the collection.. My Wrist Alarm is also sadly at the doctors and I have no pics!! I found this early Powermatic off a blurry photo on ebay USA and gambled...It came up really well..

The Futurematic has as yet eluded me as I'm not prepared to fork out so much for it..All the above were bought for under 400 Euros in the last 3 years...obviously repairs and revisions made up for a lot cash.
Last but not least, a real doer upper on it's way here as we speak...Might be a repair too far (I'll spare you a view of the movement) but it'll look nice in the collection. A proper military era one about '39-'40.
I really do love the classic mid 30's to-early 60's era of JLC. Innovation and craftsmanship reaching an all time zenith. To some degree I think JLC lost their way a bit from the 70's onwards and especially in the quartz era.. The designs don't really float my boat at all. Nowadays new ones are retailing in the sphere of watch esoterica and the net is awash with people trying to get at least 60% of their initial investment back in the second hand market. They seem to have gone beyond a retail price point I'd be comfortable with...buy hey that's luxury watches innit?

 

@Darlinboy

I share your love for vintage JLC, as well as the thread!

I was just thinking yesterday I should start a 'Show Us your Jaeger-LeCoultre Passions' ...

... since we don't really see them enough, IMO... no need to now!

Love all of those I've seen already...

 

Been through a few over the years but this is all that is left, circa 1944.

 

Love the JLC 8-day, and it is definitely missing from my own collection!

.......

So, here's my current collection below....
... and since this is the OmegaForums, I had to include my first ever vintage-O, Connie (ref.2782), in the box with them, just to keep the unruly JLC's in-line!



As if you can't tell, I love the alarm function, so the bottom row is dominated by them,

...yet, shared with my newest, and only modern JLC, the 142.8.29, AKA Master Geographic.

 

A few random choices for portrait shots; these guys told me they do requests as well!

The Geographic:



The '69 Memovox (E855):




JLC cal.476 (Fabrique En Suisse):





Futurematic:




1955 LeCoultre cal.814:

 

Only have one
Geographique, 1st Gen
Love it.

 

I just wanted some more watches to dibs!

Oh, and here’s another if mine, still in the stable, circa 1965, caliber 910.

 

I've been Jones-ing for a JLC in black for a time now.

Seems a lot easier to find them in orange!

Here's mine:

50's Power Reserve:




Cal. 476 from the 40's:

 

@Darlinboy - Great thread, and lovely JLCs! My favorite is the black dialed Memovox!
@divetime - That black dialed triple date? is stunning!
@dougiedude - Woah! I had no idea you were such a hoarder The orange dial power reserve is fantastic. In fact, I may have to dibs that one

Here are a couple from my side

 

Most underrated brand, for both design and quality? Incredible modern offerings AND back catalogue.

Wedding gift:

 

.... ....

Stunning, all three, Triple Fantastic!

Thank you for sharing those, LouS