Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Chronometer Prototype Ref. 24002.42
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1970s
Maker / issuer
Jaeger-LeCoultreThis Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Mariner Chronometer is a stainless steel wristwatch from the 1970s, identified as a prototype. It features a 39mm case and is powered by the automatic caliber 906 movement.
The dial is a silver linen-textured finish with applied indices and a date display window showing the day and date in French. The watch is presented on a leather strap. Its status as a prototype is suggested by the configuration of reference 24002.42, the movement's production chronology, and the case back engraving which reads "PROTOTYPE" and "UNSALEABLE HORS VENTE AUSSER VERKAUF". The auction description reports the watch as being in honest condition with surface wear consistent with age, and notes the dial texture is well-preserved.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Dial
- Silver linen dial
- Type
- Automatic wristwatch
- Brand
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Model
- Master Mariner Prototype
- Movement
- Automatic caliber 906
- Reference
- 24002.42
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
Design
- Design and Case
- The watch features a stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter. This size was considered substantial for Jaeger-LeCoultre during the 1970s, reflecting a shift toward larger, more contemporary case designs. The case is described as having a broad profile that maintains its original definition, displaying surface wear consistent with its age and usage. The dial is finished with a silver linen texture. This finish is designed to create subtle changes in appearance under different lighting conditions, adding depth to the watch face without the use of additional colors or decorations. The layout includes baton indices and a day-date aperture positioned at the 3 o'clock marker.
- Visible features
- • Silver linen dial with black baton hour markers and a red central seconds hand. • Day-date display window at 3 o'clock displaying French text and numerals. • Case back features the 'JL' logo and text stating it is a prototype in English, French, and German. • Stainless steel case with a brushed finish on the front.
- Prototype Attribution
- The watch is categorized as a potential prototype. This attribution is supported by the specific text engraved on the case back, which includes the word "PROTOTYPE" alongside the phrases "UNSALEABLE," "HORS VENTE," and "AUSSER VERKAUF." These markings indicate the watch's status outside of standard production channels. While the available evidence provides clues regarding its transitional nature, the source emphasizes that such prototype status should be viewed within the limits of historical information. The piece is treated as an object intended for further study rather than a standard production model.
- Movement and Chronology
- The piece is powered by an automatic caliber 906 movement. The movement number inside this specific watch correlates to a production timeframe of approximately 1972 to 1973. This chronological data, combined with the unique reference 24002.42 designation, suggests that the watch belongs to a developmental or prototype stage for the Master Mariner line. The integration of this automatic movement was intended to balance practical timekeeping with the evolving larger proportions of 1970s wristwatch design.
Identification
- Reference
- 24002.42
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Prototype status is described as a possibility or belief rather than a confirmed fact.
- Research required: Specific movement serial number is not provided in the text, though it is described as corresponding to a 1972-1973 date range.