1944 Jaeger (LeCoultre) Vintage Mens World War II Era Full Size Chronograph Watch - 18K Gold

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Item No. 7881

Before complicated watches were a fashion statement for the affluent, they were originally created for military and technical uses, useful for men who needed absolute controllable precision in their timing. The very fine and rare Jaeger-LeCoultre chronograph showcased in today's offering is a prime example of this phenomenon.

It showcases elegant faceted lugs and its understated silver dial perfectly complements its 18K gold case, while its original blue steel counterweighted seconds hand adds the finishing touch. When the light hits the blue steel chronograph and seconds hands just right it is stunning.

This very collectable chronograph resulted from a brief partnership of two fine manufacturers in watch and chronograph-making, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Universal Geneve. For the movement Jaeger-LeCoultre utilized the very well-made caliber 285 Universal Geneve mechanism. UG was a pioneer in chronograph watches and had released to the world the first wristworn chronographs.

This watch is the more desirable three-register version capable of recording events up to 12-hours in duration well-suited for military, technical, racing, and other sporting uses. It is full size for the era, measuring 36.5mm in diameter without the crown, slightly larger than a Rolex Datejust.

Interestingly this European signed Jaeger (LeCoultre) was made c. 1944. It may have been the personal purchase of an Allied pilot or officer, as chronographs often were at that time.

We were fortunate to acquire it with original parts down to all hands and pusher. The only part that has ever been replaced is the winding crown. Its case presents beautifully with fairly light signs of previous polishing. Its hallmark on the left side is perfectly crisp and on the wrist it presents wonderfully.

Its branded Jaeger dial (European market Jaeger-LeCoultre branding) has been restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.

Note that the band that was on the watch when we acquired it and photographed it has been removed...for the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap like what was on it when it was photographed making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Note: Similar watches are published in Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Guide for the Collector, pg. 75, by Zaf Basha, 2008.

  • Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Country of origin: Switzerland
  • Serial no.: 280,104
  • Year built: c. 1944
  • Model: Ref. 12562
  • Functions: Hours, Minutes, Two-Register Chronograph, Subsidiary Seconds
  • Designed for: Men
  • Case material: 18K gold
  • Case markings (inside): 18K .750, Swiss
  • Case markings (outside): 1232612, 12562
  • Case condition: Excellent condition with markings and hallmark still crisp. A few light pin pricks in the back. Fairly light signs of previous polishing. On the wrist it presents wonderfully.
  • Dial: Silver, signed Jaeger, gold applied spherical indices, three-registers for subsidiary seconds, minute register, and hour register, outer minute track and tachymeter scale, well-restored
  • Hands: Original, gold "feuilles", blue steel "lozenge" chrono hands
  • Movement type: Jaeger-LeCoultre finished Universal Geneve Caliber 285, crown wheel and carrying arm, Breguet coil over hairspring
  • Movement markings: Jaeger, Fab. Swiss, 280,104
  • Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. Note that the band that was on the watch when we acquired it and photographed it has been removed...for the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap like what was on it when it was photographed making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
  • Width between lugs: 20mm
  • Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
  • Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
  • Timing: Timed to precision 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.
  • Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
  • 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

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