Fardón Black Ref. LJ-FD-001

Le Jour, a French distributor, is best known as a European retailer of chronographs manufactured by Heuer in the 1980s. Le Jour means "the day" was the export name of Yema that used to bring watches into the States. Back then, though Heuer produced an array of watches under their private label arrangements, Yema/ LeJour has the watchmaking know-how to provide some exciting tool watches themselves. In the mid '60, Le Jour made a professional diver called Superman. The 39mm, 300m water resistant dive watch was adopted even by the French army back then, while also being commercialized for general consumers as a daily watch.
 
Like many companies, Le Jour eventually perished during the height of the quartz crisis. The rights to the brand changed ownership numerous times, with no significant attempt to revive the brand. That is, until now... After the great success of re-launching their Chronograph - the Mk 1, along with their 60s Vintage Diver collections, many collectors are eager to know what's next for them. And so they replied with something refreshing for their followers — something from the fifties with an enduring style - the Le Jour Fardon 38 Automatic Black – Ref. LJ-FD-001.  Its classic slick look, premium quality components with impeccable execution ticks all the boxes for those who are interested in this genre.

Le Jour Fardón Black Ref. LJ-FD-001

The Le Jour Fardon 38 Automatic Black – Ref. LJ-FD-001 impresses with it's silent class, luxurious feel and exceptional craftmanship. The Le Jour Fardon 38 features an ergonomically shaped 38mm stainless steel case with a 46mm length from lug to lug and an overall height of 11mm, making it an excellent choice for comfortable wear for anyone throughout the day. Furthermore, the angular case is finished with a mixture of fine brushed and glossy high polish perfectly complement the chamfer edges of the case. Le Jour didn't stuck its design ethos from the past, as this new model is forward-looking throughout. It features a fixed brushed stainless-steel bezel distilling a modern steel sports watch in which any wearer could enjoy its versatility.
 
It continues to be a compelling sports watch of retro flair along with meticulous detailing when comes to its dial-works. It features a custom-crafted black onyx dial, which emits a soft sheen and deep black hue. The amount of detail Le Jour put in to bring back their tool watch heritage and is well portrayed on the markers and handset used on its textured dial. The dial clads applied rectangular hour markers, alongside with "6", "9", and "12" numerals at the cardinal point. The black onyx dial symbolizes strength and allure which can be seen from the quiet yet powerful nature of the dial. All this brings together a watch made to impress from the beautiful details and unique dial.

Black ONYX dial

The prominent and distinctive applied markers have metal trims around them, supplied with the right amount of SuperLuminova. Both the handset and markers are indeed done in tradition, where even Swiss dive watch brands themselves depict these traits on their dive watches, but we digress. Well balanced symmetry is maintained on the dial with the date display at the bottom 3 o'clock, and those immaculately applied indices with classically styled hands.
 
Powering the Le Jour Fardon 38 Automatic Black – Ref. LJ-FD-001 is the venerable SELLITA SW200 Swiss Automatic Movement operating at 28,800 BPH (4 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It has 25 jewels with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Secured with screws at four corners, the see through case backs showcases in the ever so stunning gold highlighted with Lejour logo and specifications. Here Le Jour is just showing off, with impeccable finishing in the movement, it is proud to show the effort they put in to give the movement it's finishing touches.

SELLITA SW-200 Automatic Movement

To encapsulate an elegant and classy look, the watch comes fitted with a matching genuine leather strap with alligator texture that features a refined deployant clasp, perfectly harmonizing with the beauty of the watch.
 
Summing things up, the Le Jour Fardon 38 Automatic Black – Ref. LJ-FD-001 is a watch that shows just how a Le Jour can execute such a beautiful and elegant watch. Impeccable quality elevates the owner's experience; the Fardon is designed with meticulous details and balanced weight for optimum comfort. Retro design and elegant aesthetics with practical functionality of a modern-day all rounder, the watch is a sophisticated timepiece to be worn on all year round. It's a hell of a worthy piece for any watch enthusiasts.

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