Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic Ref. E 501

amanico · 2015-10-12T00:30:07Z

Discover the Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic Ref. E 501, an iconic vintage timepiece with a unique automatic movement, hidden crown, and power reserve indicator.

Amanico shares a refined image of his Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic Ref. E 501, highlighting its sublime case and elegantly balanced dial. He delves into the watch's iconic status, attributing it to the innovative Futurematic movement with its unique crown placement, stop-second function, and integrated power reserve display.

I reworked this picture, and I must say that the outcome is quite pleasant.

The case is just sublime. I somewhat see a link with the Master Ultra Thin case we know, nowadays.

As for the dial, as we say in french, un modèle du genre ( a model in its kind ), well balanced, clean, sober, very elegant.

If you add the originality and the sophistication of the Futurematic movement ( crown on the backside, stop second, one of the finest integration of the power reserve ), you understand why this watch is one of the Jaeger Lecoultre icons.

I own the E 501 only, but its slightly bigger sister, the E 502, more known as the " Port Hole ", is very tempting, too.

Slightly bigger, because the E 501 has a 36 mm case, while the E 502 is 37 mm big.

Don't be obsessed by the dimension, just try one, if you are lucky enough to fall on a nice specimen. They wear bigger than the numbers suggest.

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The steel version of the Futurematic, particularly the E 501, is praised for its timeless appeal, with its design appearing remarkably contemporary despite its vintage origins.
The Futurematic's case design shares a strong resemblance to modern Master Ultra Thin cases, demonstrating JLC's consistent and timeless aesthetic through the decades.
The steel Futurematic models, especially the 'porthole' E 502, are noted for their austere beauty and strong wrist presence, often wearing larger than their stated dimensions suggest.
While not typically a fan of the Futurematic, the steel version, particularly the E 501, has prompted a reevaluation due to its distinct appeal compared to gold variants.

The Discussion

eklektik

Oct 12, 2015

... What I find amazing with JLC production through time is that even if we are amazed by every year novelties, the classic range is extremely timeless. I love it! You're right about the case, it is very close to the Master Ultra Thin. All the best, Etienne

Mike H

Oct 12, 2015

I am usely not a big fan of Futurematic, probably because I never tried it on my wrist, but probably also because I never had a chance to see a steel version. I find the gold version one not only vintage but dated (IMVHO) but this steel version might very well give me a second thought on the Futurematic... Nico tu as encore frappé ! Thanks for sharing my friend. Best, Mike

NT931

Oct 12, 2015

... and breathtakingly so! Steel brings out the austere beauty of the dials, especially the porthole Futurematic

amanico

Oct 12, 2015

" Futurematic "... That's so rock and roll! Best, Nicolas

Mike H

Oct 12, 2015

In the mean time, wear it in the best of health my friend

jml_watches

Oct 12, 2015

Hi They look wonderful - restrained, but alluring at the same time. Steel suits a Futurematic very well, yours belie their age, especially the E501. I think if you were to post that as a new model release - we'd believe it. As you say size isn't everything, as they have a huge wrist presence. Cheers JML

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum