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.

Le Jour Brooklyn Blue Ref. LJ-BR-002

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 Brooklyn 40 Automatic.  Its evergreen look, premium quality components with impeccable execution ticks all the boxes for those who are interested in this genre.

The Le Jour Brooklyn 40 Automatic  Blue itself is then a modern recreation of the iconic “Explorer” design that harks back the fifties, in tandem of paying a tribute to the longest suspension bridge in the world - the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The French company managed to instil two historical marvels from the past into their all new model.  Like for instance, the size and thick steel are also reflected in the robust built of this adventurous sports watch. Pairing with its 22mm stainless steel sports bracelet with solid end-links, the Brooklyn 40 Automatic stands to be an everyday wearable.

"Clous de Paris" dial

While the precursors were fabricated by high-end brands, generally come in both mechanical and quartz movements, powering the Coral Diver 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.

The emblematic sporty case measures 40mm wide, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 11.5mm thick, with water-resistant of good 100m. It’s sort of inflates it to be perfectly sized for both men and women today, while preserving fine details with eminent execution of today’s watchmaking. The stainless steel case looks and feels sturdy, paired nicely with a domed sapphire crystal. The shape of the case is kept simple, but Le Jour freshened it up with  a retro fluted bezel design and bold curving lugs with full satined brushing throughout. The robust lofty screw-down crown feels durable when it used to set the date and time, with an additional textured Le Jour emblem placed on the side.

Retro fluted bezel design

It continues to be a compelling sports watch of retro flair along with meticulous detailings when comes to its dial-works. 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. Inspired by the “Explorer” look, the dial clads applied diamond-shaped hour markers, alongside with “3”, “9”, and “12” numerals at the cardinal point. For its dial, it  has been designed with an old-charm "Clous de Paris" finishings, where it forms tiny faceted pyramidal squares throughout with a special tool-machine for this effect. The pyramid patterns on the dial elevate the old-school luxury sports watch mantra, with the petite size patterns, keep things tight and clean for more excellent legibility.

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 6 o’clock, and those immaculately applied indices with classically styled hands.

SELLITA SW200-1 Swiss Automatic Movement

Turning it over, we have a screw-down casebook with different finishings- the middle had a grainy texture and raised “Brooklyn Bridge” emblem along with the “Le Jour” logo and “Brooklyn” texts right below it. Moving outwards, we have essential information on the watch with its serial number, which is a nice touch for any diving enthusiast. Consequently, it is all about the details right here.

While the precursors were fabricated by high-end brands, generally come in both mechanical and quartz movements, powering the Sports watch is the venerable SELLITA SW200-1 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.

Swiss Super-Luminova that glows green in the dark

For a nice versatile look and wearing experience, the watch comes fitted with a sports steel metal bracelet that gradually tapers from lug to clasp, while featuring the satin-brushed finishing on top with polished mid-links, giving it a certain ritzy look with the otherwise tool watch case.

Summing things up, the Le Jour Brooklyn 40 Automatic Blue Ref. LJ-BR-002 is a watch that shows just how a true classic sport watch is executed by a heritage watchmaker. Impeccable quality elevates the owner’s experience; the Brooklyn 40 is designed with meticulous details and balanced weight for optimum comfort. Retro design and elegant aesthetics with practical functionality of a modern-day  daily-beater, the watch is a sophisticated timepiece to be worn on all year round. Its a hell of a worthy piece for any watch enthusiasts.