Affordable at Auction: Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. E109

Affordable at Auction: Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. E109

Affordable at Auction
Now, this doesn't sound promising, but even at an auction titled: Rare Watches including Nautilus 40 Part II, and held by Christie's in Geneva, you can find an affordable watch. Between many rare Rolex, Speedmaster's and even a Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon, there was one watch that stood out by its looks and estimate. It was a Jaeger-LeCoultre reference E109. This particular E109 was made in 1947, so relatively quick after WWII. With its military-styled dial featuring luminous Arabic numerals, railroad track, and large six-eater, topped off with sword hands, it is not that difficult to imagine this watch on the wrist of an officer during WWII. In fact, there is even a direct military reference to this watch, since the back of the case is engraved with "II…
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Frederique Constant Renewing Its Manufacture Heartbeat

Frederique Constant Renewing Its Manufacture Heartbeat

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One of the most remarkable stories in the wold of watch is that of the Frederique Constant Heartbeat! In 1994 the then very young brand, introduced the signature heartbeat dial to show off the mechanical movement in a more dramatic way on the front of the watch. It was an instant hit, that has been often imitated, yet never quite with the same refinement as Frederique Constant did it. Even when the story would have stopped just there, it would have been quite extraordinary, but it doesn't. While Frederique Constant actually started out making classical watches with third-party movements, in 2004 they introduced their very first manufacture movement! Of course what was more fitting then to put it into a heartbeat model? We are now a generous decade later, and…
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Moonphase And Manufacture: Frederique Constant’s Latest

Moonphase And Manufacture: Frederique Constant’s Latest

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Yes, the only new thing on the Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture is the dial. So why do we still feature it on Wathisthis?! Because it is the perfect example of how important such details are, and the impact that they have on the overall look. Yes it can even change the experience you have with a watch! Now, the Frederique Constant Moonphase Manufacture is already not a shabby watch to begin with. The word manufacture in its name already says it all. The automatic caliber that powers the watch, FC-705, is made completely in-house by Frederique Constant. At this price point, quite unique, especially since they didn't stop there. The FC-705 is cleverly designed and features for example a full bridge over the balance wheel for the best stability.…
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Manufacture Movement for Alpina Alpiner!

Manufacture Movement for Alpina Alpiner!

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Alpina introduced the Alpiner with a manufacture movement. Often viewed as the holy grail, manufacture movements don't always tend out to be that way. Especially many, more affordable, brands feature manufacture movements that rely heavily on movement designs from which the patents have expired. But not Alpina! Caliber AL 710 is as stunning as it is original. Yes, Alpina dots all the i's in terms of decoration, but it is the overall design that is truly impressive! The gear train and main spring barrel are hidden firmly underneath a plate that covers nearly everything but the balance wheel at six o'clock. This balance wheel is secured itself by a full bridge, adding to increased shock protection. Stunning is also the black pvd-coated rotor. Unique is that its design is asymmetrical,…
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