Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.K885 18ct 1966

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 400+ patents and playing a tremendous role in the development of the industry as a whole. Whether it is the keyless pocket 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 have bought in their 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 it for them. Furthermore, the exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.920, is still in production and in use by both Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet today.

Description

A beautifully fully restored Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s dress watch in 18ct yellow gold from 1966. As can be seen, the design is highly elegant, clean and simple and typical of the 1960s. Its Calibre K885 movement is highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, being one of the highest quality movements made by JLC at the time. This was on par with the very best available from any Swiss manufacturer during the 1960s making this a perfect vintage watch for both evening wear and everyday use.

The Dial

The dial is clean, simple and elegant. All the things we have come to expect from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The style is classic 1960s, with a purity of design which is very hard to beat. The silver-white starburst dial looks wonderful against the yellow gold case and far better than the photographs can do it justice. Applied gilt ‘baton’ hour indices are matched with the original gilt ‘index’ hands.

The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’, with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards, by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements really are of the highest quality and certainly among the top tier of most highly regarded Swiss watch manufacturers.

The movement here is the hand-wound Jaeger LeCoultre calibre K885, widely regarded for its accuracy and reliability. The ‘K’ references the Kif shock protection system in the watch, whereby the balance staff is suspended on spring mounts for shock protection.

It is in sparkling condition having just been fully overhauled and serviced by our Master Watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly of the watch movement to all its component parts, close inspection of all critical parts under high magnification and then replacement where necessary, using only original manufacturer parts. The following stage is lubrication using individually specified lubricants for differing parts of the movement and careful re-assembly before regulating / timing. This watch therefore winds and sets smoothly is keeping accurate time, consistently to within +5 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age and has been confirmed by our electronic timegrapher. We therefore we have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months warranty*.

This movement is signed ‘Jaeger-Le Coultre’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and K885. The movement serial number is 1820886 which dates the watch to 1966.

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

The Case

The large-sized 34mm multi-faceted watch case is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in two pieces with a convenient press-fit case-back. This is quite a slim case at less than 8mm in depth.

Due to its sophisticated case construction with multiple edges and elegant acute profile, the watch sits beautifully on the wrist and looks every bit the quality piece it is. The watch case is in excellent condition with few signs of wear visible to the naked eye. Importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed.

The inside of the case is correctly signed ‘LeCoultre Co’ and ‘Swiss’ with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the reference numbers 20002 and 21002. The exterior of the case-back is correctly hallmarked and reads the case serial number 1079017.

Please note – 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 with a plain 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 1966.

A detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 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 at any time, 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 watch which is much more stylish than a modern equivalent. Even though it is almost 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. 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 0207 727 7095. If calling from overseas: +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.