1970s LeJour PVD Chronograph
Why This Watch Matters
This LeJour chronograph sets itself apart with a rare and unusual black PVD case, giving off a 1970s military aesthetic.
The Full Story
The LeJour brand began as a French distributor of fine Swiss watches in the early 1960s, and eventually started selling watches under its own name a few years later. The company has been recognized for its sporty chronographs due to its time spent as a distributor for Heuer in Europe and Yema in the United States. This present example has a black matte PVD case, in a classic 1970s tonneau style. The PVD coating has weathered subtly, providing it with a rugged, tool-watch vibe. The dial configuration is centered around legibility with high contrast between the luminous hands and markers against the matte dial in black. The creamy patina on the lume, the soft grey sub-dials, and the bright orange chronograph hand all amount to a strong sense of character. Inside, as seen in other LeJour chronographs, is a workhorse Valjoux caliber 7734 chronograph movement.
The Fine Print
Maker: LeJour
Model: Chronograph
Reference: N/A
Year: 1970s
Case No: N/A
Material: PVD-coated steel case with stainless steel caseback
Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 13mm thickness
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Manual-winding Valjoux 7734
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Sedona Strap in Orange
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This LeJour is in great shape. The case shows some wear – which is normal for a PVD watch from the 1970s – but the PVD is largely intact. There are some slight nicks on the edge of the bezel and the bottom of the case near nine o’clock. The PVD on the crown shows a little wear. The dial is clean. The lume in the hands and on the dial are matching in color. The caseback has a few deeper scratches (it looks like from trying to open the case).
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Why This Watch Matters
This LeJour chronograph sets itself apart with a rare and unusual black PVD case, giving off a 1970s military aesthetic.
The Full Story
The LeJour brand began as a French distributor of fine Swiss watches in the early 1960s, and eventually started selling watches under its own name a few years later. The company has been recognized for its sporty chronographs due to its time spent as a distributor for Heuer in Europe and Yema in the United States. This present example has a black matte PVD case, in a classic 1970s tonneau style. The PVD coating has weathered subtly, providing it with a rugged, tool-watch vibe. The dial configuration is centered around legibility with high contrast between the luminous hands and markers against the matte dial in black. The creamy patina on the lume, the soft grey sub-dials, and the bright orange chronograph hand all amount to a strong sense of character. Inside, as seen in other LeJour chronographs, is a workhorse Valjoux caliber 7734 chronograph movement.
The Fine Print
Maker: LeJour
Model: Chronograph
Reference: N/A
Year: 1970s
Case No: N/A
Material: PVD-coated steel case with stainless steel caseback
Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 13mm thickness
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Manual-winding Valjoux 7734
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Sedona Strap in Orange
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
This LeJour is in great shape. The case shows some wear – which is normal for a PVD watch from the 1970s – but the PVD is largely intact. There are some slight nicks on the edge of the bezel and the bottom of the case near nine o’clock. The PVD on the crown shows a little wear. The dial is clean. The lume in the hands and on the dial are matching in color. The caseback has a few deeper scratches (it looks like from trying to open the case).
