Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.P813 Automatic 18ct 1957

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

A wonderful fully restored Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic dress watch with a stunning Blue starburst dial in immaculate condition. The large 35mm 18ct screw-back watch case is pristine, as is the Jaeger-LeCoultre bumper automatic movement. Each is of the very highest quality.

The Dial

The simply stunning Blue starburst dial catches the light wonderfully and contrasts beautifully against the gilt hour indices, original Dauphine hands and watch case.  Above ‘6’ we have a crosshair subsidiary seconds dial and at ‘3’ a roulette date wheel. This is so called because the date changes from black to white on each date change, which is demonstrated in the photographs. The dial is simply signed ~ Jaeger-LeCoultre and Automatic with Swiss at the very bottom of the dial.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest possible standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Case

The large 35mm, 18ct yellow gold watch case is noticeably heavy and of exceedingly high quality, being solidly constructed in two pieces with a heavy screw-down case-back. Due to the 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 immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or other signs of wear, visible to the naked eye. The inside of the case is correctly stamped with the ‘LeCoultre fir tree’ and also carries the correct Swiss 18ct Hallmarks. Externally the case carries the case serial number A733130.

Although this watch may have been marketed as waterproof when new and even though the rubber seals have been replaced, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are amongst the highest quality and are in the top tier of most highly regarded Swiss manufacturers. The movement here in this watch is the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre P813, introduced in 1956, which is a superb 17 jewel example of a classic ‘bumper’ automatic movement. A ‘bumper’ self-winding movement is wound by means of a rotor which travels through a 180-degree arc, being arrested by buffer springs that then bounce the rotor gently backwards and forwards. This can be felt if one rotates the watch slowly from side to side, but in normal use, after one becomes accustomed to this, one is seldom conscious of the movement’s ‘pulse’. Indeed it is quite an endearing quality of the vintage watch. This is the original movement, which as can be seen is in sparkling condition, having just been fully overhauled and serviced by our Master Watchmaker. This involves complete disassembly of the entire watch movement, close inspection of all critical parts under high magnification and then replacement where necessary, using only original manufacturer parts. The next stage is lubrication using individually specified lubricants for differing parts of the movement and careful re-assembly before regulating / timing. The watch winds and sets smoothly and is currently keeping accurate time, consistently, to within 8 seconds per day! This is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. We therefore we have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months’ warranty*. This movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ ‘‘Fab Suisse’ and P813 and the Serial Number is 1,256,273, dating the watch to 1957.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with a new, high quality Navy Blue Crocodile strap and gold plated buckle, which we feel matches the watch perfectly.  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, but if something different is preferred, we will do our best to assist.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures are all correct, dating the watch to 1957.

A detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along 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 watch which we are very proud to offer here for sale in ‘almost new’ condition. It is many times more stylish than a modern equivalent watch and even though it is over 60 years old, it is still contemporary, completely fresh, reliable, and practical to wear as your everyday watch. Most of all it is a thing of beauty – some might say a ‘work of art’ – from one of the most prestigious names in watch-making. However you may wish to view it, this timepiece will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to treasure and enjoy. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger and the supply more limited, continued demand will mean 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 these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our commitment to 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 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 our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

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 fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.