Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.P469/C 18K, 1949

£3,600

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Restored, Serviced & Guaranteed

18ct Yellow Gold 35mm Case, Excluding the Crown

Very High Grade, Hand-Wound Calibre P469/C Movement

Original Gilt ‘Dauphine’ Hands, Spearhead Indices, Sub Seconds Dial

18ct Case Body, Bezel, and Case Back, each in Immaculate Condition

New High Quality Crocodile Strap with plain Gold Plated Buckle

High Quality Hardwood Presentation Box Included

VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty*

Free UK Next Day Delivery

Overseas FedEx £45

Sold 4th April '18
VGW Reference: JLC644
Price £3,600

£3,600

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Highly Recommend
The service from Vintage Gold Watches was as per usual Fantastic, the watch arrived when expected and was extremely well packaged as usual. The watch was even nicer than the photos and went straight onto my wrist. Another fantastic acquisition for my growing collection. VGW is the first and so f
Andrew S via Feefo 29/1/2024
Verified Buyer
I have no hesitation in recommending.
From start to finish the service I have received has been excellent. Kirsty has kept me informed all the way and the level of the finished repair to a very old and worn vintage watch was exemplary.
Bryn H via Google Review 23/2/2024
Verified Buyer
Even better in real life
My watch has just arrived and it looks even better in real life! Just wanted to say a massive thank you to John and everyone there for the help you gave me in securing my dream watch. Cannot recommend your company highly enough. Thank you so much. Mike
Mike G via email 29/11/2023
Verified Buyer
New Vacheron
The watch arrived safely together with all its paperwork and looks lovely both on and off the wrist. It is very beautiful and understated. So a definite “yes” from all of us. Happy Christmas to you all Very best wishes Stephen
Stephen R via Email 6/12/2023
Verified Buyer
ABOUT THIS WATCH

Description

It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for its own watches, has also produced movements for a number of famous watch houses such as Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and IWC. Indeed for most of the 20th Century, Jaeger-LeCoultre even supplied bare movements to the great firm of Patek Philippe. Then as now, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always been considered one of the very finest watchmakers in Switzerland and so of course, the world.

Since the founding of Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1833, the brand 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 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.

Here we have a beautiful example of a gentleman’s classic 1950’s, Oversize 18ct dress watch, from Jaeger-LeCoultre, in fully restored condition. This watch has a very highly regarded movement, which is very accurate and reliable making the perfect watch for special occasions or with care, everyday use.

The Dial

The stunning Silver dial with raised numerals and spearhead hour indices are matched by the original ‘Dauphine’ hands. These are finished in rose gold gilt, which contrasts wonderfully against the silver dial and yellow gold watch case.

This is the classic 1940s and early 1950s Jaeger-LeCoultre style of dial with a large subsidiary seconds dial and minutes ‘rail track’.

The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and the overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of original, classic, simplicity and elegance.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK. The lens is new, having been replaced with an original new replacement, as part of the restoration.

The Movement

The watch is complete with its all original, ultra high quality, 17 jewelled, Calibre P469/C hand-wound movement. This movement is 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 Co and ‘Fab Suisse’ with the calibre number P469/C and the movement serial number 657055, making the year of manufacture 1949.

The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +2 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age! The watch has a runtime of 43 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 Watch Case

The solid 18ct yellow gold watch case is in mint condition, having been carefully inspected, cleaned and sympathetically polished. This watch has obviously been very well cared for as there are no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye.

The case is the much rarer oversize 35mm in diameter, excluding the JL signed crown.

Inside, the case-back is properly marked as expected with Swiss Geneva hallmarks “18K 0.750″ and signed with the classic LeCoultre fir tree. The case also carries the external serial number 322417. This external case number is quite distinct, indicating the watch case has not been over polished. Importantly, the case back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

Please note, vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality Blue Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a gold plated buckle, which we feel suits the watch very well. 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 and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. 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 19mm 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 1949. Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt and 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”. As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.

A high quality hardwood presentation box is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is exactly the kind of watch we love to find, restore and offer for sale. It’s many more times more stylish and elegant than the modern equivalent watch and even though it is now nearing 70 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch should you wish, but mostly it is a thing of beauty, some would say, ourselves included, a work of art, from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking. Should you wish to view it this way, it is also an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as something to treasure and enjoy, and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever greater, limited supply and high demand from the Far East, means prices will climb ever higher!

This is a beautiful example of a classic vintage watch from one of horology’s most famous names and if treated with care, will remain an excellent investment as well as something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy. It will provide excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment, as long lasting as the watch itself!

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.

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. 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.

If you have any questions please call on our 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. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

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

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

Thank you.

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