Jaeger-LeCoultre Clock 383

I already said it here, Jaeger-LeCoultre used to make a lot of really nice clocks!

Today, only the Atmos is still in the catalogue… But back in the 1950’s and 1960’s Jaeger-LeCoultre made a lot of them in different shapes and sizes!

Some of these clocks came in very nice blue boxes like this one…

Original blue box, to find the correct box for these clocks is often harder than finding the actual clock…

OK, let’s have a look inside the box. Here we find the Jaeger-LeCoultre reference 383 Clock, 95.5 mm in diameter – sold in October 18th 1963.

The Clock 383 I have in various documents from 1960 to 1967. A clock that existed both in Jaeger-LeCoultre version as well as LeCoultre version, gilt like this one below and in chrome plated.

Jaeger-LeCoultre clock 383 – box, papers and catalogue

Here shown in the 1966 Jaeger-LeCoultre catalogue featuring the clock 383, one of them – there were several different catalogue versions that year.

1966 Jaeger-LeCoultre cataoluge – clock 383

The dial type with the crossing lines have roots from the 1958 Jubilé collection. Used on several different clock over time…

The clock face is angled up from the horizontal plane, making it easier to read the time.

Notice the date, a very handy feature in the time before computers and smart phones…

Jaeger-LeCoultre clock 383 – face angled up

On the back you see the reference number, winding crown and another crown for setting time. The pusher on the left is a quick date set mechanism.

Inside is a 8 days movement, most likely an iteration of the Calibre 201. I haven’t opened the clock since it works perfectly, including shifting date at the right time!

Now, the biggest issue I have with this clock 383 is – which one to have on my desk?! The chrome plated or gilt…?