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 for handwinding - it only functioned as an automatic. It was so complex it is rumored that Jaeger-LeCoultre never recouped their investment in the watch's development.

Today's offering showcases this very fine Futurematic with distinctive long curved lugs and untouched original dial. Once a watch that we regularly were able to offer our customers, we seldom find these anymore, and rarely all-original.

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 red to the white as the watch is wound 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.
• Hack seconds lever that stops the movement when the time is set.
• 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.

It is in all-original condition, even retaining the fragile hack lever fully intact and dial clamp often missing from these watches.

Its case is in excellent unpolished condition with fairly light wear and one ding on the right side. Except for a couple of pin pricks on two lugs, there is no gold wearthrough on the case.

Its untouched two-tone original dial is in excellent condition gently warmed to a light sepia tone giving it a true vintage look.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time on par with a new watch in our testing position. Having these watches serviced by a watchmaker familiar with the model is really a must as they are not straightforward to service and a several parts of the process are counterintuitive. It's also one of the reasons that the hack lever and dial clamp are so often missing. We are happy to maintain the watch for you if you would like in the future. It winds very easily and freely, which is important in these watches that can't be handwound.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.

Like always included with the purchase is a full one-year warranty on the movement and its advanced functions, a new timing certificate, 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.: 935,216
• Year built: c. 1954
• Model: Futurematic, Cal. 497
• Designed for: Men
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Fully Automatic, Power Reserve Indication, Subsidiary seconds
• Case material: 10K gold filled
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed by LeCoultre, 10K Gold Filled
• Case condition: Excellent unpolished condition with fairly light wear and one ding on the right side. Except for a couple of pin pricks on two lugs, there is no gold wearthrough on the case.
• Dial: Signed LeCoultre, two-tone silver, power reserve meter in red and blue, signed LeCoultre, very pleasing condition with light aging and slight warming to a light sepia tone
• Dimensions: 35mm diameter, 45.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Gold, dauphines, all-original
• Movement type: LeCoultre Caliber 497, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, hack lever
• Movement markings: LeCoultre, Swiss, 497, Seventeen Jewels, Unadjusted
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Band: Leather, 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.
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Having these watches serviced by a watchmaker familiar with the model is a big plus as they are not straightforward to service. We are happy to maintain the watch for you if you would like in the future. It winds very easily and freely, which is important in these watches that can't be handwound. 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 four watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Keeping time on par with a new watch in our testing position.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box: BOX: Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box PAPERS: Copy of Futurematic repair manual; Connoisseur of Time timing certificate; 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