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This Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz Ref. 23301-42 is a superb example of one of the most interesting and underappreciated periods in Swiss watchmaking.
Today, quartz is often misunderstood. Many collectors associate it with inexpensive, mass produced watches, but in the early 1970s quartz was the future. It represented accuracy, innovation and a completely new direction for the Swiss watch industry. Brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre were not treating quartz as a compromise. They were treating it as advanced watchmaking.
That is what makes this Master-Quartz so fascinating.
Produced in 1972, this watch comes from the early period of Swiss quartz development, when houses like Jaeger-LeCoultre were applying their traditional standards of design and finishing to electronic timekeeping. The result is a watch that feels very different from later quartz watches. It is substantial, beautifully made and full of period character.
The 38mm brushed stainless steel cushion case has a wonderfully smooth, architectural shape. It is very much of its era, but still feels elegant and wearable today. The original deep blue sunburst dial is the standout feature, with applied steel baton markers, matching hands, tritium lume plots and a framed date aperture at 3 o’clock. The “Master-Quartz” text gives the watch its identity and places it firmly within one of the most important technical transitions in watch history.
The condition is what really elevates this example. The case remains exceptionally well preserved, the dial is clean and vibrant, and remarkably, some of the original wax seal is still present on the caseback. It is also fitted to its original Jaeger-LeCoultre strap and buckle, which is very rare to see on a watch of this age.
For collectors who enjoy watches with design, history and technical relevance, this is a fantastic example. It is not just a vintage quartz watch. It is a Jaeger-LeCoultre from the moment when quartz represented the cutting edge of precision timekeeping.
Key Features
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz
Reference 23301-42
1972
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 352 Master Quartz movement
38mm brushed stainless steel cushion case
Original deep blue sunburst dial
Applied steel baton hour markers
Matching hands
Tritium lume plots
Framed date aperture at 3 o’clock
Acrylic crystal
Original Jaeger-LeCoultre strap
Original Jaeger-LeCoultre buckle
Wax seal still present on the caseback
Exceptionally well preserved condition
A Word on Condition
This is an exceptionally preserved example and one of the cleanest Master-Quartz watches we have handled.
The brushed stainless steel cushion case remains in superb condition, with strong shape, clean brushing and very little evidence of use. The presence of the original wax seal on the caseback is a particularly important detail and suggests this watch has led a very careful life.
The original blue sunburst dial is excellent, with a rich tone that changes beautifully in the light. The applied hour markers, hands, date frame and printed text all present very well. The tritium lume plots remain intact and add the right amount of vintage character without detracting from the clean appearance of the watch.
The original Jaeger-LeCoultre strap and buckle are also still present, which is a rare and desirable detail on a watch from this period.
Overall, this is a remarkably complete and well preserved example of an early 1970s Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present.
In this case, the originality of the watch is a major part of the appeal. The original strap, original buckle and remaining wax seal on the caseback are all details that help separate this example from the majority of vintage Master-Quartz watches found today.
If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
This is a watch for someone who appreciates the overlooked corners of watch collecting.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master-Quartz belongs to a brief but hugely important period when quartz was not seen as cheap or disposable. It was new, expensive and technically advanced. For a maison like Jaeger-LeCoultre to put its name to a Master-Quartz shows just how seriously the technology was taken at the time.
The design is also excellent. The brushed cushion case, blue sunburst dial, applied markers and date at 3 o’clock give it a strong 1970s identity without feeling excessive. It has presence, but it is still refined.
Most importantly, this example has survived in extraordinary condition. The wax seal, original strap, original buckle and clean blue dial make it far more compelling than a standard vintage quartz watch.
For collectors of Jaeger-LeCoultre, early quartz, 1970s design or historically important underappreciated watches, this is a very special piece.