Why This Watch Matters The LeJour Rally never tries to be something it's not; from top to bottom, this is a motorsport chronograph, right down to the racing stripes on the 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. In addition, the company branded timepieces made by other Swiss watchmakers and sold the pieces under the LeJour name. If this LeJour looks familiar, it may be because it's nearly identical to the Yema Rallye and the U.S. market version of that very same watch. Yema, also a French watch company, made watches such as the Superman diver and, most notably, the Yachtingraf – a regatta timing chronograph that's also found branded by LeJour. The Rally, or Rallye or Rallygraf, hit the Yema and LeJour catalogs in the late 1960s, aiming to serve the growing driver's watch market led by brands such as Heuer and Rolex. Today, the Rally model is probably most well known for being the choice of race legend Mario Andretti, who wore a similar version while winning the 1969 Indianapolis 500. That watch was the inspiration for the brand 2020's re-release of the Rally. From a design standpoint, the Rally is quite stunning. The racing influence is less under-the-surface, such as in the Heuer Carrera or Rolex Daytona, but rather jumping up and hitting you right in the face. From the red racing stripes running down the nine o'clock side of the dial to the rectangular, racetrack-esque sub-register shapes, and, most obviously, the checkered flags at six o'clock, this is a racing watch through and through. Sure it looks like a racing watch, but the Rally has the mechanical chops to back it up with a Valjoux 7730 under the hood and an external tachymeter scaled bezel – that's all a driver needs right there. We paired this LeJour Rally with our Reid Strap in Red to play off of those two racing stripes on the dial and stick to the overall motorsport theme. The Fine Print Maker: LeJourModel: RallyReference: 9312Year: Late 1960sCase No: 318829Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 39mm diameter; 13.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7730Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Reid Watch Strap In RedLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love:- Racing stripes on dial- Checkered "victory flags" logo- Uncommon sub-dial shape Things To Know:- Scratches on case- Oxidation on movement This watch is in overall very nice, attractive condition. The case is strong with some scratches from wear. The caseback shows some scratches and the stampings are still legible. The soft black dial is overall well-preserved with a light patina overall. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina and are close to matching in color. The red racing stripes on the nine o'clock side of the dial are still bright in color. The painted white hands have developed a light patina. The bezel shows some light wear with some scratches. The bezel has faded to a dark grey color throughout and, depending on the light, this can look lighter or darker. The ridges of the bezel are still crisp. The crown is correctly unsigned and of the correct shape. Consistent with the LeJour version, the case and movement are signed "Continental Watch Co." There is some oxidation on the movement near the two o'clock pusher. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
Related
Related