T
he U.S.-based Bernhardt Watch Company is bringing the Le Jour line of watches back to the shores of North America after a 30-
year hiatus. The brand started out small in the 1960s manufacturing Swiss mechanical chronographs using Valjoux movements.
The watches were sought after by collectors due to their comparably affordable pricing, durability and designs inspired by auto
racing, sailing, yachting and aviation.
Like many similar brands, Le Jour didn’t survive the quartz revolution of the 1980s and faded into obscurity. But the name lived on
among collectors as a brand remembered for professional quality at attainable price points. Now that the market for strong mechanical
watches has resurged, the brand has be reborn.
All the current models are clean, professional chronographs using ETA 7750 calibers and top-quality integrated bracelets. The
bracelets are all-hand polished with attention paid to each link before assembly. Prices start at $2,000. The watches incorporate anti-
reflective sapphire crystals and 200-meter water resistance in their cases which are just under 43mm. All are surgical grade stainless steel.
Find out more at www.lejourwatches.ch
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