JLC Cal.P450/4C 18ct Pink Gold 1944

Jaeger-LeCoultre

It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for all its own watches, has also produced movements for many other 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 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 winding crown, i.e. 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 often 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

Here we have a superb example of a gentleman’s rare 1940s, 18ct pink gold dress watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre with an oversize 35.5mm case and wonderful dial, complete with ‘spearhead’ hour indices and ‘dauphine’ hands. This watch has a very highly regarded Calibre P450/4C movement which is in sparkling condition and very accurate and reliable, making this the perfect watch for evening wear or with care, everyday use. This watch is completely original, unrestored and untouched and will be sold with our 12 month warranty and Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

The Dial

This large dial comprises of applied numerals at 3 – 6 – 9 – 12 and applied gilt ‘spearhead’ hour indices, matched with original ‘dauphine’ hands in pink gold – all the height of elegance and complementing the gold watch case beautifully. The wonderful silver dial matches perfectly with the outstanding 18ct pink gold case.

This is the classic 1940s Jaeger-LeCoultre dial, here in silver and framed by a minute rail track register. The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and the overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches, is one of classic simplicity and elegance.

Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however, we decided in this case due to its exceptional condition, to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with most of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

The watch is complete with its all original, ultra-high quality, 17 jewel, Calibre P450/4C 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 P450/4C and the movement serial number 348554, dating the year of manufacture to 1944.

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 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 rare 18ct pink gold watch case is the much rarer oversize at 35.5mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown. This is considered an oversize case as typical Jaeger-LeCoultre watch cases sizes were 33mm at the time this watch was made.

The case is a superbly made two-piece case, designed for increased dust and moisture protection. It has a thin bezel and beautiful teardrop lugs which add elegance and simplicity to the watch and is in excellent condition. The watch has just received a very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish as the watch has obviously been very well cared for and there are no dings, scratches or other marks visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, all is correctly marked and as expected, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks. Externally, the case carries the serial number 306511. This external case number is clear, indicating the watch case has not been over-polished. Importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

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

The Strap & Buckle

This watch is complete with a genuine JLC black Alligator strap and JLC pink gold-plated buckle. We feel the strap 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 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 1944.

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 totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The high quality black 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.