£3,250
100% Genuine & All Original
Fully Inspected, Serviced & Guaranteed
Beautifully Unrestored, Delicately Aged Original Dial
Good Size 33mm Case, Excluding the Unsigned Crown
A Beautifully Well Cared For and Lightly Used Example
Exquisite, Highly Rated Cal.P478/C Hand-Wound Movement
Original Unrestored Dial with Original ‘Sword’ Hands and Arabic 1 – 12 Numerals
High Quality Black Lizard Strap with JLC Gold-Plated Buckle
All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition
Hardwood Presentation Box Included, as Shown
VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*
VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee
Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery
Free UK Special Delivery
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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, Calibre 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 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 produce one for them. Furthermore, 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, and always have been, all about the perfection of their movements, their wonderful design and the very high quality of their watch cases. Also, at any given price point, the absolute confidence that one is purchasing one of the finest watches available. Here we have a classic example, with a wonderful, unrestored honey dial in a 18ct pink gold case. This watch simply exudes style, high quality, elegance and pure class.
The Dial
The beautiful honey coloured dial provides a beautifully subtle contrast between the case, dial furnishings and hands. The dial carries 1 – 12 Arabic numerals which are swept with the beautiful unrestored ‘sword’ hands and the blued steel seconds hand. The dial is very simple and clean and the look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of classic symmetry, simplicity, and elegance.
The dial is very simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom.
The dial is totally original and untouched. As can be seen in the images, there is a very light, but beautiful patina at the very top of the dial. It is very hard to appreciate from the studio photographs just how nice this dial is, both on the wrist in natural daylight.
The Movement
The watch is complete with its all original, ultra-high quality, 17 jewel, Calibre P478/C hand-wound movement. These movements are very highly regarded as one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s highest quality hand-wound calibres. Indeed, it qualifies as one of the best hand-wound watch movements ever produced.
The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This involves complete dismantling to each of its component parts, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required, only with new JLC originals, then careful reassembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration. As can be seen in the images, the movement is in superb condition.
The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number P478 and the movement serial number 855510, dating the year of manufacture to 1953.
The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +9 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age! The watch has a runtime of 40 hours from its fully wound state which shows the movement is particularly strong and running well within expected parameters. It is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty* and to assist with servicing again in around three years time.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The 18ct pink gold case measures 33mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown. Watches did not begin to have signed crowns until the late 1950s/early 1960s and this is the reason the crown is not signed by Jaeger. The watch case is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in two pieces with a press fit case-back which closes with a pleasingly solid click, indicating a good, tight fit. Due to the sophisticated case construction with multiple edges and elegant profile, the watch sits beautifully on the wrist and looks every bit the quality piece it is. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye.
As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
The watch is fitted with a new, high quality black lizard strap and Jaeger-LeCoultre gold-plated buckle. However, 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 no original papers with this watch, the movement reference number, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1953.
Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included, with our detailed receipt and our 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also 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 high quality hardwood presentation box as shown in the photographs.
In Conclusion
This is a simply wonderful vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre dress watch which is much more stylish than the modern equivalent. Even though it is over 60 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch, should you wish. Most of all it is a thing of beauty – some may say a ‘work of art’ from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watch-making. However you wish to view it, this time-piece will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to treasure, use and enjoy. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger, the limited supply allied to high demand means prices will climb ever higher!
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 PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK 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 that happen to visit the UK 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 your watch directly to you there.
If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
