In 1953, the future arrived today when Jaeger-LeCoultre shocked the world by introducing the world's so-called "first fully automatic wristwatch", the Futurematic. It was designed to be so efficient that it did not have a winding crown. It was so complex it is rumored that Jaeger-LeCoultre never recouped their investment in the watch's development.

Today's offering showcases this uncommon solid gold Futurematic with a distinctive case and beautiful black dial. Our photos couldn't begin to do it justice.

Here are some of its technical features:

• A power reserve indicator so the wearer can always know how much power is left in the watch. The little hand moves from the gold to the black and then red as the power winds down indicating the number of hours of power left in the mainspring.
• Extremely efficient movement designed to wind with the slightest movement of the wrist, eliminating the need for a winding crown.
• Ratchet arm and bumper hook mechanism that prevents someone from ever over winding the watch, one of the most common weak spots in vintage automatics.
• When the watch is not being worn the power will not run all the way down. Then, when the Futurematic is placed back on the wrist it will begin running again.
• The rotor is suspended both above and below the movement. This keeps the rotor from moving out of its place, something that greatly troubles other automatic movements.
• Because of the way the movement works, the Futurematic does not have a slipping clutch on the mainspring like all other automatics, eliminating another possible cause for error.

While the vast majority of these watches have gold-filled cases, this uncommon example is one of the solid gold versions.

It presents in very pleasing restored condition. Its case is better than near mint. And it dial is gorgeous, previously extremely well-restored.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled its complicated movement. As is usually the case with these watches the hack lever has been previously removed by a watchmaker. The movement still retains the small dial clamp often lost on these watches.

Included with the purchase is a full one-year warranty on the movement and its advanced functions, a Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a copy of a Jaeger-LeCoultre repair manual detailing the movement parts and their operations.

Note: A published example of this model can be found in Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Guide for the Collector, Basha, 2008, pg. 155.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Serial no.: 1,004,109
• Year built: c. 1954
• Model: Futurematic, ref. 281
• Designed for: Men
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Fully Automatic, Power Reserve Indication, Subsidiary seconds
• Case material: Solid 14K gold
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed by LeCoultre, 14K Gold, 281
• Case condition: Better than near mint with light wear
• Dimensions: 35mm diameter, 42mm lugs tip-to-tip
• Dial: Signed LeCoultre, gloss black, power reserve meter in gold and red, signed LeCoultre, very clean, previously expertly restored
• Hands: Gold dauphines, correct style, replacement part specially made to replicate the original
• Movement type: LeCoultre Caliber 497, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring
• Movement markings: LeCoultre, Swiss, 497, Seventeen Jewels, Unadjusted
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Java lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new
• Crystal: 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.
• Timed: 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 international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box: Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box PAPERS: Copy of Futurematic repair manual; Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
• 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