Jaeger-LeCoultre Automatic Date Cal.K881 18ct 1963

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Since the founding of Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1833, the company has had a very inventive history, developing over 1,249 mechanical calibres, registering over 400 Patents and playing a tremendous role in the development of the industry as a whole. Whether it is the keyless watch, the calibre 101, or the iconic Reverso, it would be difficult to imagine a historical account of watchmaking without the mention of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

It is not so well known that in addition to producing movements for its own watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always produced a great many movements for a number of famous watch houses including Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, IWC and Cartier. Indeed for most of the 20th Century, Jaeger-LeCoultre even supplied bare movements to the great firm of Patek Philippe. For example, in 1967 when Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin needed an ultra-thin automatic movement, it was to Jaeger-LeCoultre they turned. The exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 920, is still in production and in use today by both Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet.

Description

Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are all about the perfection of their movements, wonderful aesthetics and the quality of their watch cases. Also, at a given price point, the absolute confidence that if one purchases a Jaeger-LeCoultre, one is buying one of the finest timepieces available. Here we have a perfect example, with the classic Jaeger-LeCoultre cross-hair dial which just exudes simple style, elegance and pure class.

The Dial

The beautifully elegant, previously restored silver-white cross-hair dial carries inlaid gilt ‘baton’ hour indices, matched by the original gilt ‘index’ style hands. The cross-hairs are typical of the Jaeger-LeCoultre style and emphasise the symmetry of the dial beautifully. We feel the wonderful addition of a date window adds elegance and style to this dial.

The dial is signed with an applied gilt ‘JL’ brand and ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ at the very top of the dial along with ‘Automatic’ on the lower half of the dial and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom. The overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of elegance.

This dial has been previously restored yet remains in outstanding condition, as can be seen in the photographs.

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are among the highest quality and top tier of most highly regarded Swiss watch manufacturers. The movement used in this watch is the Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre K881, which is a superb 17 Jewel example of a classic hand-wound. This legendary movement was designed and produced at the time when investment and development in hand-wound watch movements was at its highest.

This is the original movement which as can be seen is in sparkling condition having just been fully overhauled and serviced by our Master Watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly to all its component parts, close inspection under high magnification and replacement where necessary using only original manufacturer parts, then careful re-assembly, lubrication, calibration and testing. This watch winds and sets smoothly and is currently keeping accurate time consistently to within +9 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. We therefore have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months warranty.*

This movement is signed ‘Jaeger-Le Coultre’ and ‘K881’. The movement serial number is 1582886 which dates this watch correctly at 1963.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

Jaeger-LeCoultre has been, from its very early beginnings, the torchbearer of Haute Horlogerie. This is reflected not only in its movements, but also in its watch cases.

This case is perfectly sized, very high quality and heavy. The 18ct pink gold watch case measures 28mm in diameter, excluding the correct JL crown. This may seem like a small watch, but in fact when measured across the diagonal including the lugs, it measures 42mm. The watch case is in tip-top condition and even the case-back looks pristine.

The case, the case-back and bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for and after a close inspection has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition. Importantly, the heavy case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

The interior of the case back carries the correcti Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the exterior of the case back carries the case serial number 918281.

Please note – As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality black lizard strap and Jaeger-LeCoultre pink gold-plated buckle has been fitted which we feel matches the watch perfectly. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please do let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, however we can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1963. This watch comes complete with a service receipt from JLC dated August 2016.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

This is a truly first class example of a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece. Even though vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.