Jaeger-LeCoultre created some of the very fine automatic wristwatches of the vintage era, including their sought after power reserve models. Long before watch winders made entered the watch collecting world, power reserve indicators ensured that the owner never had to worry about resetting the time, even after his watch lay idle over night.

Today's offering showcases a beautiful early power reserve. It is so elegant on the wrist.

Powering it is LeCoultre's caliber 481 movement, the first automatic mechanism ever to feature power reserve indication. So sophisticated and well engineered is the movement that its components were used by Vacheron & Constantin (see comparative image of the two movements below).

Its classicly styled vintage case has striking faceted bear claw lugs. Its timeless silver dial has a power reserve meter then goes from red to white as the watch is wound.

It has all original parts except for the replacement crown. I've always loved the look of the original counterweighted seconds hands on these.

Its has fully JLC parts down to the signed crown.

Its case presents in beautiful condition - just short of mint with light signs of previous polishing. Note that the case back has been snapped on straight since the photos were taken.

Its dial, which may be original or which may have been expertly redone in vintage times, shows only light aging.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. We have also timed it on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with one of our brand new vintage styled leather straps making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

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

Note: A published example of a similar watch can be found in Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Guide for the Collector, Basha, 2008, pg. 148

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial number: 881,694
• Year built: c. 1953
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Power Reserve, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K gold
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed in U.S.A. by LeCoultre, 14K Gold, L & K, 2557
• Case markings (outside): 14K Gold, L & K
• Case condition: Its case presents in beautiful condition - just short of mint with light signs of previous polishing.
• Dimensions: 33mm wide (excluding crown), 43mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, signed Jaeger-LeCoultre and Automatic, two-tone power reserve indication window displays red when the watch needs to be wound, may be original or which may have been expertly redone in vintage times; shows only light aging.
• Hands: All original, gold "epees", original gold seconds hands
• Movement type: High-grade, Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 481, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, index regulator, buffered rotor
• Movement markings: LeCoultre Co., Swiss, 481, Seventeen Jewels, Unadjusted, Automatic
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Vintage styled, lather, fully stitched, brand new and unworn with yellow gold tone unsigned buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Yes, one of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn on the wrist. 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.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• 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