1938 Jaeger 8 Days Clock - Sailing Trophy for 'Le Prix du Figaro'
A very well preserved and rare bakelite Jaeger clock.
WHY IS THIS DESK/TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK SPECIAL
This model was created and manufactured in Switzerland by Jaeger. This particular example houses a 8 days power reserve movement (Only one winding every 8 days). The featured model made out of bakelite is rare and was given as the winning prize of the 'Prix du Figaro' sailing race organized by the very prestigious 'Yacht Club de France' in july 1938. The competition was won by 'Normand V' steered by Maurice Draeger, renowned as sportsman and sailing boats manufacturer.
THE STORY
Not all firms in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger-leCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker". Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named only LeCoultre, the company provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished movements with which they completed their watches.
In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out Antoine LeCoultre's help in creating the wotld's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the manufacturing of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The team decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Ados travel clock, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.
Bakelite was the first plastic made from synthetic components. It was developed by the Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland in Yonkers, New York, in 1907.
Bakelite was patented on December 7, 1909. The creation of a synthetic plastic was revolutionary for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties.
Beginning in the 1920s, it became a popular material for jewelry. Designer Coco Chanel included Bakelite bracelets in her costume jewelry collections. Designers such asElsa Schiaparelli used it for jewelry and also for specially designed dress buttons. Later, Diana Vreeland, editor of Vogue, was enthusiastic about Bakelite
THE DATA
- Maker: Jaeger
- Model: Prix du Figaro 1938
- Reference: N/A
- Case N°: N/A
- Year: 1938
- Material: Bakelite
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 8x9x4,5cm
- Caliber: In House 8 days power reserve
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This desk clock is in very good condition. The Bakelite case is extremely well preserved without chips or scratches. The unrefinished Two-Tone dial with the impressive hands is simply stunning. This is a great desk clock, elegant and rare with a very classical design, it has a nice size and personality, perfect for any elegant home or office.
