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 beautiful 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 elegant case has striking faceted bear claw lugs, and the black dial has been professionally restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America.

It presents beautifully. All of the parts appear original down to the original hands with the crown being the only possible exception. It is correctly unsigned.

Our watchmaker has freshly fully serviced the movement. 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 / LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Serial number: 904,481
• 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, 14K Gold, L & K, 2557
• Case markings (outside): 14K Gold, L & K
• Case condition: Better than near mint condition with light remants of wear and signs of polishing
• Dimensions: 34mm wide (excluding crown), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Gloss black with gold applied indices, signed LeCoultre and Automatic, two-tone power reserve indication window displays red when the watch needs to be wound
• Hands: Original, gold "epees"
• 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
• Band condition: Brand new, unused
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent 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 C.O.T. warranty.
• 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