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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Desk clock

Jaeger 'Birthday' Desk Clock

Partially verified

This Jaeger 'Birthday' desk clock, produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre, is a hand-wound timepiece housed in a 92mm chrome and black lacquer case. It is supported by a 79.4mm x 127mm baseplate and incorporates a chrome crown and winding key. The satin silver dial features 'Arabic' indices, a matching partially skeletonized handset, and a complex layout with an inner 12-hour scale, an outer 'railroad' minute track, and a fully graduated minute/second track with Arabic numerals at the periphery. The clock is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 888 movement. A small hole located beneath the dial is designed to accommodate a birthstone or zodiac symbol, from which the 'birthday' designation originates. The object dates to 1936.

Front view of the Jaeger 'Birthday' desk clock showing the dial layout, baseplate, and the hole for a birthstone attachment.
Front view of the Jaeger 'Birthday' desk clock showing the dial layout, baseplate, and the hole for a birthstone attachment. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
shop.analogshift.com
Category
Clock · Desk clock
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1936
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Aesthetic Design

The desk clock features a 92mm diameter case constructed from chrome and black lacquer. It is mounted upon a rectangular baseplate measuring 79.4mm by 127mm.

The dial utilizes a satin silver finish, featuring 'Arabic' numerals for the indices. The display is divided into three distinct sectors: an inner 12-hour scale, an outer 'railroad' style minute track, and an outermost periphery containing a fully graduated minute and second track labeled with Arabic numerals. A partially skeletonized handset indicates the time, and the dial bears the 'Jaeger' signature alongside 'FABRIQUE EN SUISSE' and '8 JOURS' text.

Evidence for this section
  • “92mm chrome and black lacquer case with a 79.4mm x 127mm baseplate”
  • “satin silver dial with ‘Arabic’ indices”
  • “matching, partially skeletonized handset, and a beautiful, multi-tone grey and white dial with an inner 12-hour scale, an outer ‘railroad’ minute track, and a fully graduated minute/second track with Arabic numerals on the dial periphery.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 888, a hand-wound mechanical movement. Winding is performed via a chrome crown positioned on the rear of the case. The movement designation and the '8 JOURS' (8-day) indication on the dial imply an eight-day power reserve.

A notable feature of this model is a physical aperture located on the dial below the center staff. According to the provided information, this small hole was designed to facilitate the mounting of a birthstone or zodiac symbol, providing the rationale for the name 'Birthday' clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “powering the clock is a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 888 hand-wound movement”
  • “Beneath the dial is a small hole that research shows is for a birthstone or zodiac symbol — hence the ‘birthday clock!”

Provenance and Attribution

The object is identified as a product of the manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre. The source dates the piece to 1936. The description notes that

No further documentation regarding the specific ownership history or provenance is provided in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “highly unique ‘birthday’ clock from La Grand Maison itself, Jaeger-LeCoultre.”
  • “Dating to 1936 but looking incredibly fresh and modern”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific material of the black lacquer section?
  • Are there known records or catalogs from 1936 confirming the 'Birthday' clock model name?
  • What were the official color options for the Calibre 888 desk clocks of this era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger 'Birthday' Desk Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJaeger-LeCoultre“Jaeger-LeCoultre”
Case MaterialChrome and black lacquer“92mm chrome and black lacquer case”
MovementCalibre 888“Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 888 hand-wound movement”
Date1936“Dating to 1936”
Dimensions92mm case, 79.4mm x 127mm baseplate“92mm chrome and black lacquer case with a 79.4mm x 127mm baseplate”
FeaturesBirthstone hole“Beneath the dial is a small hole that research shows is for a birthstone or zodiac symbol”

Visible details

  • Small circular hole beneath the dial for a birthstone or zodiac symbol
  • Satin silver dial with '8 JOURS' text
  • Black lacquer and chrome case construction
  • Chrome winding crown located on the rear case back

Research qualifications

  • The exact origin of the 'birthday' function (birthstone attachment) is based on research mentioned by the source
  • The source attributes the manufacture to Jaeger-LeCoultre without providing specific production numbers

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت رومیزی Jaeger 'Birthday' Desk Clock کالیبر 888

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a4f40ebc11

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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