As previously mentioned, there are two broad designs for the Futurematic : one with the normal sub-dials and another with the rarer portholes sub-dials. This is a Jaeger LeCoultre Futurematic reference E 502 using cal. 817 watch from the year 1956. It has the porthole sub-dials design, and the watch is in stainless steel. The watch was made for the European market, and it is considered a jumbo size with its 37mm diameter. The Jaeger-LeCoultre signed Futurematics all came in a large 37mm case while the US LeCoultre version was slightly smaller at 35mm both having the setting crown integrated on the case back as there was no provision for hand-winding the watch.
The E502 size is bigger than the 501 by 1 mm. Due to the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act, the Futurematics for the U.S. market have a LeCoultre logo instead of Jaeger-LeCoultre printed on the dial and engraved on the calibre and the inside of the case back.
As my resource is limited, for the Futurematic series, I have decided to focus only on the Porthole sub-dial design as it was highlighting the future and was full of innovation. It’s strange as I have managed to find this Non-US, European edition Futurematic with “Jaeger Lecoultre” instead of LeCoultre, from Rochester New York, USA.
As the seller is unwilling to ship overseas, I shall need to trouble my friend Yin Yin from LA to help receive the watch and then resend it to Hong Kong. I must say I am really happy with the find as it’s quite rare to find a steel version of the Futurematic E502 Porthole. Really grateful as I am rather late in collecting vintage Jaeger watches. The Potholes version were produced in 3500 examples it is believed that no more than 500 were used for the European market using the JLC signature instead of LeCoultre” for the US market.
For the Potholes version, both calibers 817 & 837 were used. The only differences between the cal 837 and 817 are as follows:
1. The 837 was never sold with US LeCoultre branding, like the 817.
2. The color of the power reserve porthole was dark grey on the 837 and red on the 817.
3. The engravings on the plate. The JLC versions of these models did not have the caliber number engraved on the rotors. They were all interchangeable.
1. The 837 was never sold with US LeCoultre branding, like the 817.
2. The color of the power reserve porthole was dark grey on the 837 and red on the 817.
3. The engravings on the plate. The JLC versions of these models did not have the caliber number engraved on the rotors. They were all interchangeable.
I have showed the photos of the Jaeger Lecoultre E502 Pothole design to Keith, and I am glad that he loves the classic design too. For me, the Jaeger Lecoultre or Lecoultre, Pothole design is the essence of the Futurematic. I am now waiting eagerly for the watch to travel from New York to LA and then to Hong Kong.
One of the key differences is the Futurematic logo
Please read :
This is a nice watch with bracelet.
No comments:
Post a Comment