An Hermès sterling silver bracelet with Jaeger LeCoultre watch incorporated into the center link. This beautifully made sterling bracelet has the design influence taken from nautical anchor chain links, with rope like detail connecting each one. The quality is as one comes to expect from Hermès jewellery from this period. The bracelet is thick and fairly heavy, but by no means cumbersome or uncomfortable. The links are all softly rounded off and sit on the wrist beautifully. The hinged clasp is masterfully worked into one of the smaller rope connecting links and simply lifts open from its catch by the use of a finger nail.
The collaboration of the luxury ateliers of Hermès and Jaeger LeCoultre dates back to the early part of the 20th Century to when Hermès was expanding its luxury assortments into clocks for the home, and co-branding existing watch models made by LeCoultre. However, all of this was in very limited numbers, and very few pieces exist today. The same can be said of this piece. Searches have uncovered only two others of the same design. Originally made toward the end of the 1960's, this link also appears simply as a bracelet in the Hermès jewellery line from the same time. This is also fun because, if so desired, due to the nature of the craftsmanship of both this watch, and the bracelet, they could be joined together to make a double wrap, or either stacked or worn on opposing wrists. The options are bountiful!
The watch itself is powered by the in-house made Jaeger LeCoultre caliber 840 mechanically wound movement. This movement was used widely used among both Jaeger, and contracted in for use by a number of luxury watch and jewellery brands such as Asprey, Cartier and Hermès to help bring their own creations life. The development of complicated and quality watch movements was incredibly time consuming and costly, at this time, and so this practice of working with haute horology specialists to provide calibers was common.
The condition overall is excellent. The watch dial is original and not re-finished. It is signed "SWISS" below the six o'clock position, and with its original Hermès signature below the twelve o'clock position. The dial has stylish Breguet style Arabic numerals applied in black paint, with matching Breguet style black painted hands. The back of the watch, along with a number of the links, have the French assay poinçon of the crab, for sterling silver. The case back of the watch has the unique watch reference number stamped into it, again the crab, along with the makers mark of "EJ" for Edmond Jaeger which further backs up the collaboration between these two great houses. The original winding crown also features the"JL" logo.
This is a very rare chance to own a piece of history between perhaps two of the best known and most respected brands in their independent fields. Not only is this a beautiful bracelet, it is also an amazing watch. If the need to see the time is not of the utmost importance, this can simply be moved to the inside of the wrist, and only looked at when necessary. Plus the option to pair this with the matching bracelet is compelling.
The condition throughout is excellent. The watch is working well and keeping good time. There is slight wear to the bracelet, but, as with sterling bracelets, this only tends to lend to the charm and character of the piece. There is a patina to the silver, and it has been left only lightly hand polished with a cloth. If the need to have it brought to a "new" appearance is desired it can be arranged, but not recommended! Made in France and Switzerland Circa late 1960's.
