Atelier Jalaper Type E AJ-003-B Owner Review : Shapely, inspired and convicing

If you're a fan of fine mechanics, objects steeped in history, and inspired design, then this new creation from Atelier Jalaper deserves your full attention. The E-Type collection continues the brand's ambitious project: to bring the memory of iconic cars to life through watches with a strong character, designed for discerning enthusiasts and lovers of beautiful objects. After the Aston Martin DB5 and the Lamborghini Miura, the story continues with another British legend: the Jaguar E-Type. A sleek car, with lines that are both pure and sensual, echoed here in a watch that is as coherent as it is inspired. ▶️ A dial born from a Tour Auto victory The raw material is unmistakable: the dial of the Atelier Jalaper AJ-003-B is cut from an authentic aluminum hood of a Jaguar E-Type Semi-Lightweight, the very car that won the 2020 Tour Auto with Raphaël Favaro at the wheel, accompanied by Lucien-Charles Nicolet. A fragment of a race, transformed into a timepiece, embodying both the feat and the transmission of mechanical emotion. The raw texture of the metal brings the dial to life. Its machining preserves the marks of a material that has experienced wind, heat, and speed. This is not a simple tribute, but a real fragment, imbued with a tangible past. ▶️ A line dictated by fluidity The design of the watch was entrusted to Xavier Perrenoud, a Swiss industrial designer renowned for his refined and fluid approach, already seen at Ebel and Movado. In his hand, the E-Type takes on a form that is never overdone, but always balanced. The soft lines of the case gently recall the muted aerodynamics of the car that inspired it. This design seems to follow in the footsteps of Malcolm Sayer, aerodynamic engineer and designer of the E-Type body, whose formal language would influence Jaguar for nearly 30 years. This is therefore not a simple inspiration: it is a watchmaking filtration of an automobile design, with the same taste for purity of form and visual balance. ▶️ An asymmetrical case with thoughtful geometry The case, designed with evident care, displays a discreet but significant asymmetry: the convex lugs at 12 o'clock contrast with shorter, concave lugs at 6 o'clock, a delicate nuance that recalls the imbalance of the Jaguar E-Type characterized by the endless length of its hood. This detail isn't immediately apparent, but it reveals itself as you observe, wear, and experience the watch. The feel on the wrist is fluid and natural. The finishing work brings a softness to the touch, while the line of the case plays with the light like polished bodywork. ▶️ A readable, lived-in dial full of winks Under a subtly adjusted domed glass, without compromising readability, the dial displays a beautiful graphic richness. The minute track echoes the design of the Smiths counters, emblematic of British cars from the 1930s to the 1980s, often associated with Jaeger. A fitting tribute, as this duo also made their mark on watchmaking history: Smiths, with its prototypes for Edmund Hillary's expedition to Mount Everest, and Jaeger, whose merger with LeCoultre gave birth to the watchmaking house well-known to enthusiasts. Another new feature for Atelier Jalaper: the logo is applied here, a nod to the delicate chrome of historic Jaguars. The deeply worked flange features two visible screws at 10:30 and 4:30, whose presence likely evokes the visible fasteners on dashboard counters. A discreet and well-chosen touch. ▶️ A movement certified for the race of time Mechanically, the AJ-003-B is powered by the Sellita caliber SW300-1 B, here in the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) version. This Swiss movement, oscillating at 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz), has been regulated according to the strictest chronometric standards, just like engines prepared for competition. The parallel is clear: a precision regulated (-4 / +6 seconds per day), just as one would regulate a power unit to tackle the challenges of the Tour Auto. ▶️ A watch for lovers of distinguished elegance The E-Type is not an ostentatious object. It doesn't seek to seduce everyone, but to deeply touch those who know how to read between the lines, those who perceive power in restraint. Every detail is meaningful, every design choice is justified, every element is a bridge between two worlds: passionate watchmaking and automotive heritage. This is a watch for those who view vintage cars not for their performance, but for their formal language, for what they tell of their era. A watch for those who know that elegance is often hidden in the least obvious curves. With this E-Type, Atelier Jalaper refines its language, asserts its signature. And we find ourselves dreaming: could a Porsche 911 one day take over from the Jaguar E-Type? A model inspired by the most legendary Porsche, with over 1.3 million units produced since 1963, would undoubtedly be a challenge to attract even more and more people… One thing is certain: the road ahead promises to be beautiful! ▶️ Available for pre-order at €2,400 excluding VAT, this Atelier Jalaper Type E is part of a deliberate move upmarket. With its meticulous finishing, choice of high-quality materials, and certified movement, the approach is solid. But at this price point, a second strap and/or a booklet documenting the history of the hood and the Tour Auto victory would have been welcome to further anchor the watch in its story. The Atelier Jalaper Type E is available in a limited edition of 200 numbered pieces in two distinct references, with a raw aluminum dial (reference AJ-003-B) and an anodized aluminum dial (reference AJ-003-W). Expected delivery in July 2025. My "Mood Board" with this Atelier Jalaper Type E: Film: Austin Powers (1997) Music: Slow Pulse Boy (And Also The Trees) Location: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester (United Kingdom) All technical specifications below or on the brand's website. XS