Why This Watch Matters This LeJour three-register chronograph has a great presence with a 38mm case, outstanding handset design, and a rich, black glossy dial. The Full Story LeJour was a French watch company that mainly retailed and distributed Swiss timepieces in Europe and the United States. Its most well-known partner was Heuer, but it was also the U.S. distributor for the brand Yema until 1980. The company also branded timepieces made by other Swiss watchmakers and sold the pieces under the LeJour name. This example is a great LeJour-branded chronograph. Its large, thick 38mm case, along with the thick elongated lugs with geometric angles, give a fantastic presence on the wrist. The narrow MH bezel creates more space for the beauty of the dial to shine through. Because of the thickness of the case, the dial seems deeply nestled inside the case, which adds an extra dimension to the overall appearance. The silver print and plump, well-aged lume plots really stand out against the black, glossy dial. The bright red lollipop seconds hand features a rather large lume plot, and combined with the board arrow hour hand, the handset brings a charming character to the otherwise serious looking timepiece. It is fitted with the well-respected Valjoux 72 chronograph movement ensuring smooth and robust reliability, and the case and movement are signed by J.P. Pingouin Co. The Fine Print Maker: LeJourModel: ChronographReference: N/AYear: Circa 1960sCase No: N/A, inside signed "J.P. Pingouin Co"Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 15mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux manual-winding caliber 72Bracelet/Strap: The HODINKEE Davenport Watch Strap In Red ClayLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: N/A What we Love and What You Should Know The case is in very good condition with some light surface scratches. It is likely that the case was lightly polished in the past. The bezel shows some wear and scratches, and the lume on the bezel is missing. The facets on the lugs show some overall roundness on the edges. The dial is in very good overall condition, and has retained its glossy black finish. All of the lume plots have gained a nice, creamy vanilla hue and are full. The red portion of the register on the right shows some fading. The lume on the handset has darkened more than the lume plots. The movement is in running condition. The chronograph is starting, stopping, and resetting well and the date is advancing correctly at this time.
