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
