Vintage JPG Guide: Le Male & Classique
January 01, 2024
Vintage Perfumes
Note: For general tips on dating packaging (barcodes, EMB codes) and storage, see our Vintage Perfume Collector's Handbook.
Dating vintage Jean Paul Gaultier (Le Male, Classique) is famous for being "erratic," but the postal code on the bottom of the tin can tells the true story.
1. The Postal Code Rule (The Golden Rule)
Forget the batch code for a moment. Look at the address on the sticker.
| Era | Address / Postal Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 – 1997 | "BPI 75008 Paris" | The Holy Grail. First edition. Very rare. Contains the original, potent formula. |
| 1997 Only | "BPI Paris" (No Code) | Transitional year. Rare. |
| 1998 – 2015 | "BPI 75116 Paris" | First reformulation era. Address changed to Avenue Victor Hugo. |
| 2016 – Present | "Antonio Puig" | Modern era. Produced in Spain. Distinctly different scent profile. |
2. Other Key Identifiers
The Green Dot
- 1993 – 1995: No Green Dot on the can (sometimes on the wrapper).
- 1996 onwards: Green Dot printed on the bottom of the can.
The Alcohol Percentage
- Vintage Le Male: 72% Vol. (Later versions don't list % or vary).
- Vintage Classique: 83% Vol.
"Fond de Parfum"
- In the early 2000s, JPG released alcohol-free versions called "Fond de Parfum" instead of "Eau de Parfum". These are rare collector's items.
3. Creating a Timeline
- Check the Address: Is it 75008 (Vintage) or 75116 (Modern-ish)?
- Check the Distributor: Is it BPI (Beaute Prestige International) or Puig? BPI is always preferred for collectors.
- Check the Batch Code: Use standard online checkers, but trust the Address first.