In 1953, the future arrived early when Jaeger-LeCoultre shocked the world by introducing the world's first fully automatic wristwatch, the Futurematic. It was so complex it is rumored that Jaeger-LeCoultre never recouped their investment in the watch's research and development.

This Futurematic has long curved lugs and an uncommon dial variation with numerals. The dial is original and in pleasing condition.

Here are some of its technical features:

• A power reserve indicator so the wearer can always know how much power is left in the watch. The little hand moves from the red to the white as the watch is wound indicating the number of hours of power left in the mainspring.
• Extremely efficient movement designed to wind with the slightest movement of the wrist, eliminating the need for a winding crown.
• Ratchet arm and bumper hook mechanism that prevents someone from ever over winding the watch, one of the most common weak spots in vintage automatics.
• When the watch is not being worn the power will not run all the way down. Then, when the Futurematic is placed back on the wrist it will begin running again.
• Hack seconds lever that stops the movement when the time is set.
• The rotor is suspended both above and below the movement. This keeps the rotor from moving out of its place, something that greatly troubles other automatic movements.
• Because of the way the movement works, the Futurematic does not have a slipping clutch on the mainspring like all other automatics, eliminating another possible cause for error.

The movement is very clean and complete, retaining the fragile hack lever and dial clamp often missing from these watches. Photos of the inside available upon request.

Included with the purchase is a full one-year warranty on the movement and its advanced functions, a new timing certificate, a Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a copy of a Jaeger-LeCoultre repair manual detailing the movement parts and their operations.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Serial no.: 831,626
• Year built: c. 1953
• Model: Futurematic, Cal. 497/1
• Designed for: Men
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Fully Automatic, Power Reserve Indication, Subsidiary seconds
• Case material: 10K gold filled
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed by LeCoultre, 10K Gold Filled
• Case condition: Good honest original condition. Spots of gold wear on the bottom side of all lug tips. Bottom left lug looks to be very slightly bent (difficult to see). Clear opening wear along one portion of the edge of the case back.
• Dial: Signed LeCoultre, silver, power reserve meter in red, signed LeCoultre, very pleasing condition with light aging and slight warming to a very light sepia tone. Dial appears a little more of a warm tone than it appears in our photos.
• Dimensions: 35mm diameter, 45.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Gold, luminous dauphines, may be from another Futurematic
• Movement type: LeCoultre Caliber 497, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, hack lever
• Movement markings: LeCoultre, Swiss, 497, Seventeen Jewels, Unadjusted
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Teju lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled. 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.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box: BOX: Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box PAPERS: Copy of Futurematic repair manual; Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• 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.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide