Jaeger-LeCoultre 9041 Étrier

Today’s watch will be the Jaeger-LeCoultre reference 9041 Étrier, often referred to as “Hermès”.

The name Étrier refers to the lug shape. Hermès refers to, well of course, Hermès… Today, mainly known for their bags and leather goods.

The Étrier have it’s origin from the 1930’s ladies watches. Here is one example, an advertisement from the 30th of November 1935. Take a look in the “mirror”, which by the way also is a clock – how cool is that?!

Below the clock you see the reference 430.

Jaeger-LeCoultre ad – Étrier 30 of November 1935

I suspect that the reference to Hermès is due to the fact that Hermès used to sell Jaeger-LeCoultre watches and among the watches, the Étrier.

To be clear, just because the watch is an Étrier does not automatically make it a Hermès.

The Étrier were a part of Jaeger-LeCoultre standard collection, not limited to Hermès.

Different versions of the Étrier existed all the way from the 1930’s and at least through the 1970’s. I say at least because I have very little knowledge about the 1980’s…

Here, another example from the 1950’s, the reference 1630.

Jaeger-LeCoultre catalogue – 1950s Étrier 1630

Here is a scan from the Jaeger-LeCoultre 1975 catalogue featuring several models for both men and women.

Jaeger-LeCoultre 1975 catalogue – Étrier both men and women versions

In 1975 Jaeger-LeCoultre had extended their reference number system to include both material and dial type.

nnnn = model, .nn = metal and .nnn = dial type.

Above you can see the men’s version reference 9041, .21 = solid gold, .42 = stainless steel, 184 and 222 referring to the different dials.

Now, the watch I like to share with you, do not belong to me… It belongs to my wife, she called dibs first, to keep the peace and avoid sleeping on the couch…

This is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Étrier reference 9041.42.102. Even if it was made for men back in the 1970’s, in today’s standard its a nice sized ladies watch. 28.5 mm times 23.0 mm, 42 mm including the lugs.

With the crown at six, the case becomes very elegant, very symmetrical. Elegant, but quite hard to wind if you have fat fingers like me…

Jaeger-LeCoultre Étrier – elegant but hard to wind

On the back you can see the reference number 9041.42, the dial is not engraved – guessing Jaeger-LeCoultre made the same engraving for all dial versions, later to decide which dial to use.

Another detail which you can see in this shot is that the lugs are not coming straight out from the case, the lugs are angled which makes them follow your wrist in a very comfortable way!