Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.883 Automatic 9K 1972 – Sorry Now Sold 13thDec’17

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

The company has always been a true ‘Manufacturer’ of of the finest quality watch movements. This is unusual because more often than not, high end brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin would buy in movements for particular needs. 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 to, to produce one for them. Furthermore, the exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 920, is still in production and in use today by Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet.

Description

Here we have a substantial 9ct Automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s automatic dress watch from 1972. This highly elegant and understated timepiece is, upon closer examination, particularly impressive for the quality of its case, dial and overall construction. It also has one of the highest quality automatic movements made by JLC at the time and was on par with the very best available from any Swiss manufacturer.

The Dial

This classic, simple and understated dial is most impressive for the sheer quality and style that Jaeger-LeCoultre represents. The slightly off-white dial has a slight silvered reflective quality about it which picks up the light beautifully. Depending on the environment, the colour moves subtly around a warm white. The very fine ‘Index’ gold hands are inlaid with a black line at their centre which match the similar applied baton hour indices around the dial. The dial also carries the applied JLC brand and signature. The date at 3 o’clock is advanced by moving the hands between 11 and 1. This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest possible standards by the best dial restorers in the UK. The way the dial catches the light in varying conditions is simply wonderful and much better than the photographs convey.

The Case

This large size 34mm multi-faceted watch case is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in two pieces with a screw-down case back to improve water, dust and humidity resistance. It is quite a substantial case, being 12mm in depth to accommodate the automatic movement. However due to its sophisticated design and multiple edges, the watch does not look at all bulky on the wrist. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The inside case is signed ‘Le Coultre Co Swiss’ with the case reference number 396 91 and the case serial number 1353196. It also has the correct hallmarks for 9ct gold.

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are amongst the highest quality in the world and this Calibre 883 23 Jewel Automatic, introduced in 1969, was  a precursor to the current Master Control line of watches. The Cal.883 was also used in the much more expensive, top of the range ‘Geomatic Chronometer’. 1972 was also the year Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Master Quartz and so the Cal.883 was state of the art at the onset of the ‘Quartz Revolution’.

This is the original movement which is in sparkling condition having been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage JLC specialist watchmaker. Upon final test on our electronic time-grapher the watch is running within -2 seconds per day fully wound. This is outstanding for any watch of this age. The movement also has a power reserve of 50 hours. It has been very well maintained and cared for, evidenced by the movement which is in sparkling condition  We therefore have no hesitation in offering our 12 month warranty on the movement of this watch*.

The movement is signed ‘Le Coultre Swiss Co Swiss’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and 883. The movement number Serial Number is 2,175,306 dating this watch to 1972.

*Please note, the 12 month warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new, good quality black ‘croc’ strap with a generic gold plated buckle. Please note if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1972.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months Warranty*. 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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The watch also comes complete with a presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

This is a simply wonderful vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watch and having taken pride in its restoration, we are equally proud to offer this here for sale in almost as new condition. It is many more times more stylish than the modern equivalent watch and even though it is over 40 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch, should you wish to do so. Most of all it is a thing of beauty and some would say, ourselves included, a work of art from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watch-making. However you wish to view it, it will also make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as something to treasure and enjoy. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger, their limited supply allied to high demand, means prices will climb ever higher!

So here we have a highly collectible vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!

A word on our prices… We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then 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.

We are happy to accept payment via Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250

Or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250

Please note we welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.

Thank you.