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 insured that the owner never had to worry about resetting the time, even after his watch lay idle over night.

The watch showcased in today's offering is an all original example of this phenomenon. Named the Nautilus because of its waterproof case, this "Nautilus S" is the most dramatic of the power reserve models.

Powering the watch 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).

It remains in honest all original condition. Its beefy case shows some opening marks to the the underside and slivers of wear through of the gold plating. Its dial is original and in excellent condition as are the original hands.

Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled its very fine movement. 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 attesting to its performance.

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, made for the U.S. market
• Serial number: 923,888
• Year built: c. 1953
• Model: Caliber 481
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Power Reserve, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 10K gold filled
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed in U.S.A. by LeCoultre, 10K Gold Filled
• Case condition: Honest original condition - opening marks on the back and slivers of wear through of the gold plating
• Dimensions:  35mm wide (excluding crown), 38mm long lug tip-to-tip, 12.5mm thick
• Dial: Silver, signed LeCoultre and Automatic, two-tone power reserve indication window displays red when the watch needs to be wound, 100% original, excellent condition
• Hands: Original, gold "epees", original blue steel seconds hands
• Movement type: High-grade, Cal. 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: Genuine Teju lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. 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, mint condition
• Serviced: Yes, cleaned and oiled.
• 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.
• Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - 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