Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to receive a watch that I’ve longed for but never had the courage to pull the trigger on. The reason why wasn’t quite clear to me, and it was from that view point that I set out to review this iconic brand.
Jenny Watches, which is actually pronounced “yen-ny,” is a brand that is historically rich, with patents dating as far back as the 1960’s. It’s “claim to fame” was an industry first, 1000 meter MONOBLOC case, which was sold to many Swiss Made brands looking for cases that could withstand not only the ever increasing water pressure demand, but consumer pressure as well. Gustav Jenny, the company’s founder, manufactured, produced, finished and assembled watches branded by other reputable Swiss companies, but in 1963, his son Paul G. Jenny came in with a brand new game plan by giving birth to Jenny & Cie S.A.
Under Paul Gustav Jenny’s command, Jenny Watches and their early swordfish logo continued to expand its operations, providing Jenny constructed watches to companies such as Philip Watch®, Dugena®, Haste de Luxe®, Eisenhardt®, Jacques Monnat®, Jaquet Droz®, Aquadive®, Fortis®, Ollech & Wajs®, and many more.
In 1969, Paul, Hans and Werner Jenny, all brothers, developed and patented a decompression bezel (US Patent no.3,613,354) which set new standards throughout the dive watch community. While reviewing this watch, I had the pleasure of speaking to one of Jenny’s staff members who stated that one of the most unique components of this company was nothing mechanical at all. Instead, it was that, after so many years, the company was still independently owned by the Jenny family, which is an anomaly in today’s watch industry.
Specs:
Case Diameter: 42mm
Case Height: 12.3mm
Lug Size: 21mm
Lug to Lug: 50mm (lugs curve down)
Beads of Rice Bracelet and Rubber Strap Options Available
Movement: High Grade ETA 2824-2
Crystal: Flat Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water Resistance: 300m/ 1000ft
Retail Price: $945.00 to $1245.00 (BOR Bracelet is additional)
After opening the traditional overseas brown packaging, which was packaged well enough to survive even the most rebel of Fed-Ex deliverymen, you find a blue two-piece box with the Jenny branding on its topside. As the box is tiered, a thin white line can be seen, adding to the boxes visual effect. Inside, you’ll find your watch’s warranty card/certificate of authenticity with all the pertinent info you would need, including the model, the color, the model number of your particular color scheme (xx/ 500) and the date purchased. Remember kids, this is a Limited Edition.
Rhstranger
Really nice review and fantastic pictures. This watch has been on my radar. Thanks for covering the important details to help me make an informed decision.
Ariel
Bryan – thank you for stopping by!
clouser
Great review, and I couldn’t agree more. My orange dial Jenny is an amazing watch, especially for the price.
Ariel
Clouser – thank you for your comment. Hope you’re enjoying it to this day.
Frank Jordan
Just acquired a Jenny 300 and it is top rate as is the customer service from Jenny. The only improvement to this reissue that I’d like to see is a domed crystal. To me, that would complete the nod to a vintage diver and avoid the flat, edge-to-edge design since the bezel is also sapphire.
All in all, it’s a gorgeous, comfortable, watch with one of the closest to original reissue styles. Wonderful job Jenny, and great review. Thanks.
Ariel
Thank you Frank!
Robert
Just picked up a silver dial 300 from the Doxa website. They are on sale as of today, Jan 20, 2019. Worth checking out of you have a hankering. sadly the blue model shown is sold out, as is the bead of rice bracelet option. But still a deal for a watch with great history that stayed somewhat close to the original.