Despite Jaeger-LeCoultre releasing innovation after innovation each year, nothing quite beats an authentic vintage watch. There is something incredibly enjoyable about owning a watch that has acquired natural character throughout its life and wearing it as a reliable companion on the wrist.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has been manufacturing impeccable timekeeping tools since 1833. Whether you’re new to collecting vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches or looking for a new investment piece to add to your collection, this guide highlights some popular models that are either vintage classics or inspired by original design concepts created by this prestigious Swiss manufacturer. These beautiful timepieces belong to collections like the Polaris – a watch originally developed to pay homage to the brand’s passion for deep-sea timekeeping, as well as the beloved Reverso collection with its unique flip-slide mechanism.

There are many vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches available on the pre-owned market but there are also some stunning tribute models that have remained incredibly faithful to the brand’s classic and timeless approach to watchmaking. Let’s take a look at a few here...

The vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox in a really interesting timepiece because it’s powered by a movement modified from the brand’s 815 Calibre with the addition of a date feature. The 815 was the first automatic movement with an alarm system that could be set separately from adjusting the time. The 825 Calibre, however, featured new advancements like a “bumper” winding system and a hammer-based alarm. Its two-tone dial mixes a grained silver middle with indulgent creamy shades on the outer rim. An applied minute track provides more precise time reading in conjunction with slimline baton indexes. Its discreet 37mm steel case is typical of vintage watches from the 1960s. The domed acrylic crystal lens is a desirable feature of a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch from this period. The price of a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox 825, which costs considerably less than one of the brand’s modern alarm watches, makes it even more appealing as an investment piece. The mechanical alarm function of this watch is fun to play about with, but the wristwatch from an aesthetical point-of-view is perfect for pairing with your best attire.

The story of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso began in response to a Polo match played by British officers in India during the early 1930s. They called for a timepiece that would withstand the beatings, knocks, and bumps endured during the famous sport, thus came a watch whose face could be turned in on itself to protect its surface from damage. Imbued with a strong sense of vintage elegance is the Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale from Jaeger-LeCoultre, which is perfect for a contemporary lifestyle since it has been equipped with an automatic movement designed to keep up with the modern watch connoisseur. Even down to the smallest design features, the watch remains close to the original 1931 Reverso design, with its eye-catching central seconds dial draped against a dramatic black backdrop. Capturing the spirit of the epic Reverso is an 18k white gold rectangular-shaped case that pays tribute to the well-loved geometric lines of the Reverso model. The hour markers around the central second dial are dressed in a shade that resembles the aged patina of the authentic 1931 timepiece. This is a watch for the modern gent, which harkens back to an important milestone in JLC’s manufacturing heritage, yet one that embodies an engine that is resilient and reliable enough to assist with the demands of modern-day life.

In 2011 JLC created a stunning timepiece in tribute to the iconic Reverso which launched 80 years earlier. What remains so special about this vintage-inspired timepiece is the fact that the brand chose to equip it with a manual winding movement to tip its hat to the original design in true Jaeger-LeCoultre style. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute To 1931 watch, as its namesake suggests, sits close to the skin with very discreet case dimensions. The 7.2mm thick timepiece sits effortlessly underneath the cuff of a smart jacket but also creates a huge wrist presence when showcased in full-view. Like the Cartier Tank, the Reverso is one of the most instantly recognizable rectangular-shaped watch designs in the entire world. It goes without saying that if you’re in the market for a cult watch with huge appeal, look no further than this timepiece, which embodies that all-important vintage style with an in-house developed movement (the Calibre 822) at its center.

Powered by the same 825 movement that Jaeger-LeCoultre chooses to equip many of its Memovox watches, vintage models like this Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris E859 were originally designed to provide the wearer with a hard-wearing design that would bear well on the wrist for diving, as well as an alarm tool that could be heard under great depths of water. It was first introduced in 1965 however, this 1968 version was created both for the American and the Swiss Market. The dial features an inner alarm disk framed by tritium treated indexes and an outer ring that identifies immersion time via a 50-minute register. Despite its functional design, this popular vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watch remains classic and elegant to pair with any choice in attire. Although many models from this period of manufacture won’t uphold their 200-meter water-resistant capability, a watch that oozes character and vintage charm is well worth the investment – especially if it has been developed by the likes of an industry-leading watchmaker like Jaeger-LeCoultre. Out of the three crowns on the watch’s 42mm steel case, the 2 o’clock pusher charges the alarm spring, and the 3 o’clock pusher rotates the inner ring, setting the alarm time.

Found about vintage watches in our guides.

Our watch buying guides help you discover famous watchmaking brands and their heritage lines.

Also take a look at our Reverso guide.

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