This Jaeger-LeCoultre rectangular tank-style watch is a classic of the manufacture’s Art Deco design in the 1940s, when rectangular watches epitomized modern elegance. The stainless steel case measures 22mm excluding the original crown and 35.8mm including the fancy shaped lugs. The case shows only minimal wear consistent with decades of careful handling. The snap-back caseback engages securely and shows the correct serial numbers and manufacturer markings. The Fab Suisse stamp on both caseback and dial indicates export to France during this period. The plexiglass crystal is in pristine condition. The dial has been professionally restored to two-tone silvered finish, with aged luminescent Arabic numerals and indexes. The restoration is based on the originla dial design while ensuring optimal legibility and the dial is in a perfect – as new – condition The dial back has an inscription of interesting historical significance: the Cross of Lorraine appears above the phrase “Vive de Gaulle,” followed by two names and the date 1951 with Vichy.

During World War II, the Cross of Lorraine was the symbol of the Free French Forces led by Charles de Gaulle. Charles de Gaulle left for London on June 18, 1940, where he broadcast an appeal to his countrymen to continue fighting under his leadership. Vichy, officially the French State, was a French rump state headed by Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II, named after its seat of government, the city of Vichy. The inscription likely commemorates personal connections to these defining events of French resistance. This watch is powered by the in-house fancy shaped,caliber JLC 438/1C, this caliber (438) was the base movement for rectangular men’s watches during the 1940s representing Jaeger- LeCoultre’s technical foundation for fancy shaped cases and for the Reverso. This manually wound movement provides reliable timekeeping. The watch arrives on a vintage lizard strap. Following complete in-house servicing, the movement keeps time within the expected parameters.

This timepiece will be delivered with our six-month guarantee and certificate of authenticity. Worldwide fully insured express service shipping is available and Serious inquiries are welcome.