Posted by In the part 1 of this series I wrote about the relationship between Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron & Constantin, Longines and Wittnauer.
For you who missed the part one: Jaeger-LeCoultre and the U.S. market, part 1
In this part 2, I would like to go further and show that the relationship was not limited to import and distribution…
Even if the watch movements was imported, most accessories was locally made.
Here is an example, T.W.O boxes – one from Wittnauer and one from LeCoultre, typical 1950’s boxes.
On top of the Longines-Wittnauer box it says “Over 85 years of service”. Longines founded in 1832 and Wittnauer in 1885, so I guess that the 85 years is some kind of average, same as we saw on the Vacheron & Constantin – LeCoultre ad in part 1.
On the LeCoultre box there is no mentioning of the 125 years anniversary, so I would place this box pre-1958, actually – based on the inside I would say early 1950’s.
If we open and put the two inner boxes on top of each other, we find that they are identical…
These kind of plastic/leather boxes I never saw for the European market…
Inside the LeCoultre box it is evident that its made for a Memovox, “Wrist-alarm”. The Memovox is not yet an established name in the U.S. – in the U.S. several different name was used, for example “Beau Brummel Alarm”!
Here is also the reference to the other brand – “Product of Vacheron & Constantin LeCoultre”.
Notice the blue service pamphlet…
Now, if we look into the Wittnauer box instead. This box was made for a 14 Karat gold watch.
The reference is clear – “A Longines-Wittnauer product”, and notice the red service pamphlet…
The blue and the red pamphlets are not identical, but front page and size are, except for the colours.
On the back however…
Blue: Vacheron & Constantin LeCoultre Watches, Inc.
Red: Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co., Inc.
On both, New York, Geneva, Montreal – just in different orders!
My conclusion is that the relationship was not only limited to the right to import and distribute LeCoultre watches, it also included collaboration in locally made accessories such as boxes and printed papers.
Stay tuned, much more on this topic to be posted!
For you who missed the part one: Jaeger-LeCoultre and the U.S. market, part 1
The Blomman Watch Report 