Quick followup: The LeCoultre 2406 Asymmetric “DeLuxe”

So, another version of the Jaeger-LeCoultre reference 390 / LeCoultre reference 2406 surfaced – and of course I like to share it here for reference!

The following watch and photos – credit: @vintage_watch_longines

This is a LeCoultre 2406 Asymmetric “DeLuxe” – the base is the same as my 2406 but in a more luxurious package.

The case is not gold filled but solid 14K gold. On the bezel is the cross hatch pattern I was mentioning in my earlier report.

And then we come to the “DeLuxe” part – brilliant cut diamonds decorates index 3, 9 and 12!

Here in Europe there are many collectors which are not very keen on having diamonds on the dial of a men’s watch – I think you need to go back to the time before wrist watches to find that fashion here, not even sure if I can recall diamonds to be in fashion on men’s pocket watches here in Europe either…

On ladies watches diamonds have always been popular – I guess Marilyn Monroe was singing the truth…

In other parts of the world fashion and culture are more welcoming of diamonds on a men’s watch!

Something that we also see today, several brands have started to include diamonds on some of their finer men’s watches as well…

Inside is still the Calibre 438/4CW – note the “VXN” import stamp and “UNADJUSTED” which is characteristic for most U.S. market LeCoultre watches. You can read more about it here: U.S. market part 3

Based on the movement number, this watch is from 1961:

The inside of the case tells the story – Cased and timed in U.S.A. The case is made locally by the Star Watch Case Company, in 14K gold – reference 2406: