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 original example of one of these watches.
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).
The gold-filled case has interesting lugs. The luminous numbered dial is original. The only replacement part appears to be the crown.
Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled the movement.
Included with the purchase is a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity and a new timing certificate.
Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre / LeCoultre
Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
Serial number: 886,961
Year built: c. 1952
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, LK 81, 10K Gold Filled, L & K, 2984
Case markings (outside): 10K Gold Filled L & K, Automatic
Case condition: Fair to good condition with scratches and wear throughout
Dimensions: 34mm wide (excluding crown), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Two-tone silver, signed LeCoultre and Automatic, two-tone power reserve indication window displays red when the watch needs to be wound, 100% original, warmed to a cream-tone, excellent condition with aging
Hands: Original, blue steel "diamonds", luminous re-filled, 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: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
Width between lugs: 18mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, mint condition
Serviced: Yes, cleaned and oiled.
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.