Other
1940s Jardur Bezelmeter Valjoux Cal. 71
Founded in 1937 by pilot and airplane enthusiast Samuel Klepper, the Jardur Import Company was an American brand based in New York City that produced precision-made aviation instruments. In addition to selling flight calculators, protractors, and navigation plotters, the brand’s signature product was the Jardur Bezelmeter Aviation Chronograph.
Using Swiss-made cases and movements, the Jardur Bezelmeter chronographs were specifically designed for pilots and included a number of features intended to aid in navigation and flying procedures. The rotating 12-hour countdown bezel was intended to give a rough approximation of flight duration, while its red ‘Degreemeter’ scale was specifically designed to help pilots complete standard-rate aviation turns. Purpose-built and created to be a cockpit instrument for the wrist, the Jardur Bezeltimer was a highly practical aviation tool and was a favorite among many pilots of the era.
| Stock # | JDRBM71 | |
| Brand | Jardur | |
| Style | Bezelmeter | |
| Model | N/A | |
| Serial | 35XXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Glossy Black | |
| Millimeters | 36.5 | |
| Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The original stainless steel case is in good overall condition and features thick and well-defined lugs, with only small signs of pitting along the sides and on the case back, which are highly consistent for a timepiece of this age. The inside of the case back is stamped with “Pilgrim Electric Corp”- the original name of Jardur’s parent company that specializes in radio receptors and other equipment for the aviation industry. Completing the watch is a brown 2-piece handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original black dial features white markings with the Jardur Bezelmeter’s signature ‘Degreemeter’ scale printed in red. The dial shows honest signs of age, most notably in regards to its hour markers, where the luminous material itself is mostly gone, leaving behind warm gray Arabic numerals in its place. The white-finished hands remain bright and crisp, and although the lume on the second's hand has developed a crack, the luminous material on all three of the centrally-mounted hands has developed a wonderfully rich and symmetrical patina.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is functioning and keeping time, previous service history is unknown.