For sale we have a beautiful circa 1960
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reference 352, skeletonised clock. It is of rectangular
design, standing at 20cm high. It has a design consisting of lucite panels,
tied by four brass screws, mounted on a stepped brass base. It is known as the
‘Marina’ due to its Angel Fish based aquarium design. It has a dark blue to
black base plate tone, with the dial sector having applied brass dart indexes
with unusual, pierced lozenge hands.
It has the Baguette skeletonized movement with
straight in-line lever escapement design, monometallic balance and
self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The movement is functioning very well
after its recent service.
The
‘Marina’ reference 352, is an eye-catching and technically complex design. The
Marine scene with Angel Fish is engraved into the acrylic block from the rear,
which is then filled with gold lacquer. There are also clear circular engravings
which create a clear bubble effect, adding to the appearance that the clock is
filled with water.
This
marine scene is held together with gilt brass bolts, with a stepped gilt brass
stand to the base. To the rear, you find the screws, with the winding and
handset to the lower centre.
The
best view of the clock is from the side, where you can begin to understand the
construction. You can also marvell at the complexity of the depth of the
design, across multiple planes.
It
measures 20mm high, with a width of 14.5cm to the upper section. The depth of
the clock is rather thin at 2.3cm deep.
Inside
is the iconic movement, the baguette or in-line 16 jewel calibre, which appears
to be floating inside of the Lucite surround.
This
is the aspect which makes these clocks completely captivating with the skeletonised
design allowing you to see every aspect. Many watch lovers may think of the
Corum golden bridge timepiece when they see this clock, but this was one of the
earliest instalments of this famous form of design.
The
term “Baguette” refers to the elongated, rectangular shape of the movement,
with the length far greater than the width (3 times). The calibre 210 in-line
movement used here, re-arranged the parts of a round pocket watch calibre into
the famous straight line, for aesthetic appeal.
It
has an 8 day power reserve and is in good condition, having been recently
overhauled.
It is a distinct design, which is popular in the Asian
market. The reference 352 is a regular seller in Antiquorums Hong Kong based
auctions over the years.
Condition
report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description
provided below.
The clock is in good original condition. It has some small
scratches and marks throughout the Lucite, as expected with ageing. The
internal engravings are good, with a bright gold tone.
The hands are good with the original graduated painted
finish.
The movement is in good condition cosmetically, with an
even gold tone to the components.
To the rear, the hand setting plate has some wear to the
gold tone of the finish.
The gilt finish to the brass is good, with only slight
signs of wear. The baize to the bottom of the feet is good.
Dimensions:
Total Height: 20.3cm
Upper Width 14.5cm
Base width: 18cm
Depth: 2.3cm
Depth of base: 4.5cm