Long ago Jaeger-LeCoultre built their reputation as masters of watch design. This commitment to stylistic excellence produced a number of exquisitely sculpted watches (like the Reverso), and the company's tradition for beautiful design continued to show-up in certain models of their later American market watches like this watch.
In vintage times the company carried on the tradition and crafted certain very distinctive watches for the less restrained American market. Such is the case with the wristwatch featured in today's offering, one of the most desirable U.S. market dress models made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Officially named the Bradley II, but more commonly known among collectors as the "Ships Wheel" or "Bottle Cap", it possesses elegance and drama in spades.
We were fortunate to acquire it in all-original condition, down to the dial and hands.
Its 14K gold case presents as near mint on the wrist. The case back has one light indention. Its original dial is untouched and presents nicely. And its high-grade movement is near pristine.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new expensive crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
This a special opportunity to own a very fine and rare JLC timepiece before it slips into someone else's prized collection.
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Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
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Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
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Serial no.: 749,130
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Year built: c. 1952
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Model: Bradley II, often called the "ships wheel" or "bottle cap" by collectors
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Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
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Designed for: Men
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Case material: 14K gold
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Case markings (outside): 14K
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Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed in U.S.A by LeCoultre, 14K Gold, 58876 - note the four hand-engraved watchmakers marks showing a servicing history
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Case condition: Presents as near mint on the wrist. One light indention on the case back.
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Dial: Signed LeCoultre, gloss black with gold applique faceted dart markers, auxillary guilloche seconds, original and untouched, excellent condition with fairly light fading and aging to the surface
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Dimensions: 33.5mm wide at its widest point, 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
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Hands: Gold, dauphines, original
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Movement type: Cal. 480 C/W, high quality, rhodium plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, monometallic balance, index regulator
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Movement markings: LeCoultre, Swiss, 480/CW, Seventeen Jewels, Unadjusted
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Jewels: 17 rubies
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Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
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Band: Crocodile, expensive, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
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Width between lugs: 15mm
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Crystal type: Acrylic, vintage, excellent condition. One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
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Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts. We have serviced/restored hundreds of vintage LeCoultre watches.
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Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
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Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
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Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
We offer a 100%
satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way
unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime
within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our
client's expectations throughout the buying experience.
All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially
constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All
watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic
shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail,
and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier.
International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.
The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any
required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and
taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.
Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be
guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not
recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed
to be waterproof.