Renowned as a historic manufacturer of Swiss-made mechanical timepieces, Le Jour (meaning “The Day” in French) began as a French distributor and retailer for Heuer chronographs manufactured during the 1970s. These chronographs have become highly sought-after timepieces today. Paying tribute to Le Jour’s proud legacy, the brand is revived with sports models inspired by racing, sailing, yachting, and aviation. The wrist watches are constructed using high-end materials and reliable Swiss mechanical movements.

At a time when racing chronographs were booming, Le Jour introduced their 7203 chronographs to the European market in the 1980s - an iconic piece manufactured by Heuer based on the design of the Heuer Pasadena. The wristwatch became an incredibly sought-after model by chronograph collectors as it was an affordable Heuer chronograph alternative. Although Le Jour fell victim to the quartz crisis and perished alongside many great watch brands, they were revived in recent years with impressive vintage-inspired offerings that just look gorgeous - what a way to restore the brand to its former glory.

Le Jour Roadster Chronograph Black Ref. LJ-RD-001

Recalling their comprehensive knowledge of chronographs from back in the day, Le Jour unveils their latest racing-inspired chronograph that revisits the classic chronograph designs from watches of the late 1960s to the early 1980s.  Building on the success of previous collections - Le Mans and Rally Monte-Carlo, the team aimed to create a more modern and dynamic collection. The all new Roadster Chronograph seamlessly blends striking design with elegant aesthetics, offering a truly remarkable wrist machine.

With a case diameter of 42mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm and a thickness of 15.5mm, the Roadster Chronograph exhibits a bold presence while maintaining excellent wearability on the wrist. A clear high quality in the fit and finish is demonstrated with fine satin brushing all around the case that carries down to the solid 22mm stainless steel oyster style bracelet. The brushed finishing at the top of the twisted lugs and side of the watch case is transitioned seamlessly, with a slightly polished chamfer running from one lug to another, elevating the piece with an extra dash of refinement.

“Exotic” sub-dial counters

The chronograph features a fixed brushed stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale in a dusky black IP finish for measuring speed over a fixed distance. The tachymeter is a convenient feature, especially for drivers in sports-car racing.

Visually distinguishable as a sports chronograph from its unmistakable black chronograph registers at the 12, 6 and 9 o’clock position with some dashes of red, the Roadster Chronograph presents a radiant black sunburst dial that shimmers gracefully in the light, bringing a beautiful lustre to the dial. A set of bold baton hands retain the legibility of the chronograph registers with minimal obstruction, allowing for an overall balanced and coherent dial design. For a true modern style appeal, the dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Screw-down pushers and crown for tighter water-resistant

The hour markers are done in racing “double digit” numerals for a race-y touch, only to be elevated with its red and black minute rehaut at the periphery. A Grade C3, Swiss Super-LumiNova  are then applied on both the hands and indices, for better readability under low lighting conditions.

The Roadster Chronograph Black Ref. LJ-RD-001 is driven by the dependable Swiss Selita SW500 automatic chronograph movement. This renowned movement is no stranger to many chronograph lovers, being a tried-and-tested movement with 25 jewels beating at 28,800 beats per hour. Thanks to its exhibition screw-down caseback, the watch flaunts a surprising 20 ATM (200 meters) of water resistance (for a mechanical chronograph), granting ample protection against accidental water splashes and then some.

Swiss Super-Luminova that glows green in the dark

The watch is complemented by a 5-link steel bracelet crafted with a combination of fine brush and shiny polish finishes. Also, the Roadster includes an additional Cordura® material nylon strap for added versatility and comfort.

Lately, Le Jour has been delivering multiple motorsports-inspired models that look absolutely amazing. This latest addition brings a compelling design many will surely appreciate with the perfect blend of sophistication and a modern chronograph style, the Le Jour Roadster Chronograph bears a classic look that will stay timeless for many years.