Jaeger-LeCoultre Reference 11012 Retailed by Hermès

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reference 11012 Retailed by Hermès

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reference 11012 Retailed by Hermès

A Dignified Desk Clock with A Double-Signed Dial

By Charlie Dunne

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reference 11012 Retailed by Hermès

The Dial

JLC tortoise shell reference 11012 double signed Hermès clock

Signed “Jaeger-LeCoultre”, the fixed-exterior dial is dissimilar to the reference 11016 which is complemented with painted Roman numerals. Instead, this example features a vacant dial that highlights the sunburst finish. However, the minimalism on the outskirts shines a spotlight on the bold retailer signature adding clout points for those obsessed with double dials. The applied “JL” logo at 12 o’clock has developed a beautiful channel-set patina between the letters. The metal’s slight oxidation has resulted in a hint of purple which is completely void elsewhere due to the absence of hour markers. Contrasting the vertical finish on the fixed exterior dial, the central rotating disk features a very attractive-gold sunburst finish.

The lume plots are very puffy and stand just approximateley 1mm above the dial. The luminous material is tritium, as indicated by the
”T Swiss Made T” below 6 o’clock,

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Image credit: Watch Pro Site

Interestingly, a similar style can be seen within catalogs in the form of a calendar alarm reference 11127. It appears the difference may be in the non-gold-tone edge of the case, and what is described as “scale” decor as opposed to “tortoiseshell”.

Jaeger-LeCoultre reference 11016, reference 11156, 11127, 11074, 11033.

Image credit: Watch Pro Site

The Case

The gold-tone bezel is raised diagonally above the tortoise-shell case. The concentric brushing is subtle but easily appreciated upon close inspection. The watch manufacturer was quite detail-oriented adding this divergence from the descending layers into the dials. While certain areas of the painted numerals have chipped away over the decades and could easily be “rejuvenated”, this originality is what truly makes vintage timepieces great. The imperfections are there to be appreciated!

The clock’s surface slightly curves into the fixed bezel, which upon turning it around shows how the movement is placed in. A shallow area was carved out for each of the dual crowns to reside and be given the ability to be functional. Two screwed-in bolts attach the hinged stand to the case back. The movement and case back extend a bit further out, making the clock somewhat impractical for being laid flat. This particular stand is a very simple design and perhaps one of the less stable designs as the clock is limited to standing in one position. Realistically, this model is best left on a desk, or possibly on a bookshelf at shoulder height to look downward

The interior case back is stamped numerical code identifying this model as reference 11012.

The Movement

The reference 11012 is powered by the calibre 911, a movement most commonly found in the Memovox wristwatches. It is a manual wind movement, with a sweep seconds and calendar function.