Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz 23303-42

1970s Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz

Why This Watch Matters This Master-Quartz truly deserves its name. It sports an early quartz movement, and offers a dial that could only have been designed in the 1970s. The Full Story The 1960s marked the race for the best quartz caliber, a competition in which the traditional Swiss watchmaking companies were definitely involved. Together, 21 of them built the Beta-21, but it was thick and large, which explains why Jaeger-LeCoultre instead turned to the caliber 352 from Girard-Perregaux. It was considered to be one of the most advanced movements - although Jaeger-LeCoultre rather referred to them as “modules” - offering an outstanding precision more than 10x better than its mechanical counterparts. As one can expect, the Master-Quartz was extremely coveted at its launch. It was also very pricey, which is reflected in the quality of its finishings and the modernistic design of its dial. The Fine Print Maker: Jaeger-LeCoultre Model: Master-Quartz Reference: 23303-42 Year: 1970s Case No: 1345681 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 38mm diameter; 13mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Tritium Caliber: Jaeger-LeCoultre quartz caliber 352 Bracelet/Strap: Grey suede strap Lug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The dial of this Master-Quartz displays a buzzsaw pattern characteristic of the 1970s (a similar one can also be found on a Universal Gen è ve Unisonic), and it is in excellent condition. The tritium plots are all present, but the lume on the handset has aged slightly differently than that on the dial. The crown is signed, and the waterproof caseback sports the correct engravings, including the reference and serial number. The case is thick and does not seem to have been polished before. Lastly, the movement works well and comes with a practical quickset date.