JLC cal906 Sport Steel-Watch, SaudiAir

CHF 13,000

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JLC Master Mariner Chronometer ref24000 -- the rare sport-chic steel watch eventually designed by Gerald Genta and made in just 500 examples in 1973 by Jaeger LeCoultre as a response to the 1972 debuted AP Royal Oak -- Patek Nautilus was not even in Gentas mind at this time for three more years until 1977 but this unmistakable Chronometer shows many of his signature elements: integrated bracelet, sophisticated dial, round and edgy and being a characteristic luxury steel-sportwatch at a time (1973) when this was something unusual. Here presented in perfect and incredible condition, as a full set and made for Saudi Arabian Airline (DoubleSigned, now Saudia) -- rare to the third power.

One of the first sport steel watches and the missing link between AP Royal Oak, VC Chronometre Royal and PP Nautilus and by far the rarest of the three with the most sophisticated automatic movement -- the cal906 Chronometer by JLC.

The bracelet was made by Egli et Cie (Gay Freres competitor) for JLC and the overall design is so obvious Gerald Genta that we are left wondering how this horological icon could have been overseen, so far. Please read our blog post from November 2021 for details and findings regarding this and the sibling JLC ref24001.

Inside works the chronometer-grade JLC cal906, which has a second hacking-feature and was used in the celebrated Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal VC ref42001 as well and is a more sophisticated automatic movement than the JLC cal920 (aka VC1120 aka AP2120 aka PP28-255). This specific watch was tested to Chronometer standards and this was certified by the Garantie de Haute Precision. It is working flawless and precise in every function.

Delivery is what we would call a Full-Full Set and contains the original JLC box, original papers, guarantee paper, service papers & invoice, original hang-tag and the Certificate of Authenticity by JLC issued after their inspection and guaranteeing authenticity of this watch in every aspect.

Needless to note, that with just 500 pieces made of this reference, it is much rarer than the original AP Royal Oak ref5402 (more than 5'000 pieces) or the initial Patek Nautilus ref3700, that is around in more than 10'000 pieces. And needless to note, that in this condition and with such double-signature of the Saudi Airline it is today a piece unique -- and back then probably the present of the prestigous airline to one of its pilots or high-ranked executives.

The quality of the watch, the Chronometer-grade automatic movement, the steel case, the bracelet and the four-sector dial don't stand short against any of the direct competitors -- its a fantastic steel-sportchic watch and its a watch from the roads less travelled: completely overlooked so far but in no aspect inferior to its siblings made by AP, VC or PP -- just in price.