Jaquet-Girard AirVac 400 - c.1963 - Super Compressor Case and Cross Hatch Crown with Caseback Brand Engraving  

We can find very little about the Jaquet-Girard brand anywhere on the internet or in books, but from what we can gather, in latter years before there demise the brand was majority owned by the independent Swiss watch house, Zeno-Watch Basel. You can still find a few remaining NOS Jaquet + Girard watches on the official Zeno site.

If you have any useful background on the brand we would love to hear from you!

What’s On Offer 

The Super Compressor case is a stroke of genius on this watch, but a complete over-specification for a dress watch such as this. The instantly recognizable cross hatching on the crown and the engraving on the caseback with the image of a diver and markings saying 'vacuum-sealed', are all features that add to the bags of charisma this watch enjoys - it's almost smug in fact, with its ergonomic lugs curving on to the wrist like a dream.

There's something very appealing about this sunburst silver dial with a speckling of patina and the bold crosshair styling. The applied, substantial statement piece, 'doorstep' markers are in great shape, as are the elegant sword hands, and the date at 3 gives a well-balanced dial design that wears quite large on the wrist due to the thin bezel giving it an 'all dial' look. There are minimal signs of wear to this watch, it keeps great time and is in full working order. A real looker on the wrist, this watch is an all-occasion piece that will look good for years to come. 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Champagne Sunburst 

Crystal: Plexiglass

Bracelet: Original Stainless Steel 

Technical specifications

Winding: Automatic

Movement type: Mechanical

Calibre: Enhanced ETA 2472 

Jewels: 25j

Waterproof: When New 

Power reserve: 42 hrs approx.

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent - 9/10

Model Reference Number: AirVac 400

Date of issue: 6-1963

Guarantee: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width: 34.5mm

Lug width: 18.4mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 44mm

Wrist size: Adjustable