The Brand
The name Jaeger-LeCoultre needs no introduction, as they are already well-known for producing wristwatches such as the Reverso and the Memovox, as well as for creating an imaginative array of horological objects. Intriguingly, both pieces mark a time before Jaeger merged with LeCoultre to form the brand we know today, as evidenced by the signature at the centre of the dial.
Read our article on How Travel Transformed Time-keeping in The Journal
The Thermometer
This thermometer measures both Celsius and Fahrenheit through a single dauphine-style hand that points at the corresponding temperatures on the dials.
A distinguishing factor of this Thermorex is the aesthetic combination of gold and black, which gives it an unmistakeably vintage, sleek feel. The polished brass case holds together two panes of glass, one of which is rendered completely in black, with gold-coloured numerals printed against it, with a soft sheen that provides an attractive contrast to the dark dial.
The dial also features “Jaeger” and “Thermorex” on the centre and bottom of the face respectively. There are two indications, a primary indication, which is in centigrade and in 10-degree increments, or Celsius, with a sub-dial in the centre that measures the Fahrenheit temperature in 20-degree increments. The piece sits on a circular Bakelite and metal plinth, a solid material that still retains its satin finish.
The Barometer
This Jaeger Barometer is the perfect complement to the Thermorex, with its very similar styling and aesthetics. The markers used on the barometer are in French, further adding to its refined air.
In particular, this piece is an aneroid barometer, a non-liquid barometer that relies on an air-tight metal box instead of mercury. When the air pressure rises or falls, the box responds in turn, expanding or contracting as required. The box is attached to a spring, which is responsible for moving the hands on the dial. A smaller thermometer can be seen near the bottom of the dial, which keeps track of the temperature in Fahrenheit.
Like the Thermorex, the aesthetic combination of gold and black gives it a similarly vintage feel, with a polished brass case holding together the two panes of glass. The innermost ring is rendered in gold, with “Baisse” (decrease), “Normal”, and “Hausse” (increase) printed there to aid the user in reading the instrument, while the second ring includes millibars, and the final ring is a hygrometer, which tracks the change in water vapour present in the air.
This piece also sits on a circular Bakelite and metal plinth, and when paired with the Thermorex, is an excellent complement to a bookshelf or mantelpiece, somewhere both can be glanced at just before leaving the house.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Jaeger Barometer and Thermorex will be subject to 20% VAT.
