The history of this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz was launched in the early 1970s, at a time when the Swiss watchmaking industry was seeking its own response to the electronic watch. Some of the watchmakers then rallied round the Beta 21 calibre, developed by the Centre Électronique Horloger in Neuchâtel. Jaeger-LeCoultre chose a different path and, together with Girard-Perregaux, funded the development of its own quartz movement. The Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux designated it the calibre 352 and fitted it into the Master-Quartz, its first series of quartz watches. Reference 23304-42 features the same cushion-shaped case with open lugs, characteristic of the watch design of that decade. The original brochure presented the watch as a precision instrument whose mechanisms operate without lubricant, and whose maintenance is limited to an annual battery change. This pre-owned vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre marks the Manufacture’s transition to electronics.
Case, movement and strap of this Master-Quartz
The 38 mm steel case features a cushion shape, with integrated open lugs that frame the strap. The top is circular-brushed, the sides are polished, and the caseback bears the ‘Master-Quartz’ engraving around a medallion stamped with the JL logo above a quartz crystal. A domed Plexiglas crystal protects the silver-coloured dial, which features applied baton hour markers outlined in black, the applied JL logo at 12 o’clock and a framed date window at 3 o’clock. The steel baton hands feature a black insert and a luminescent segment, whilst the central seconds hand is black. The calibre 352 beats at 32,768 Hz – a frequency that has since become the benchmark for quartz watches – and drives the hours, minutes, seconds and date. The fluted crown is marked ‘JL’. The watch is fitted with a taupe leather strap with grey topstitching, fastened by a polished steel pin buckle.
Why this Jaeger-LeCoultre watch
The Master-Quartz opens a little-known chapter in the history of Jaeger-LeCoultre: that of its first electronic watches. This model has been out of the catalogue for decades and can now only be found on the second-hand market. Its quartz movement requires no winding, just a battery, making this 1970s watch easy to wear every day. The 38 mm cushion-shaped case maintains proportions on the wrist similar to those of a modern dress watch. The silver dial, without numerals, with its slender hour markers and discreet date display, is easy to read at a glance.
Contents and condition
The watch is supplied on its own, in a The Swiss Collector presentation box. It is in good condition for a piece of this age, and our partner watchmakers have tested it and confirmed that it is fully functional. The case has not been polished and retains fine scratches on the brushed bezel as well as a few marks on the lugs. The dial shows a yellowed area in its upper section, between 11 o’clock and 2 o’clock, and the luminescent material on the hands has taken on an ivory hue. These signs of age are characteristic of a watch that has remained in its original condition, a condition much appreciated by collectors of vintage watches. The leather strap and buckle, which are unmarked, are new.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
*Good condition – Watch has been previously worn. Some signs of wear (micro-scratches, signs of wear, etc.). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
