Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.K478/G 9ct 1960

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 beautiful, previously restored Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s hand-wound dress watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1960. As can be seen, the black dial design is highly elegant, clean, simple and typical of the 1960s, and its Calibre K478/G hand-wound movement is very 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. Its high quality waterproof case means this watch is very practical, and perfect for both evening wear and everyday use.

The Dial

The simple, classic, understated and beautifully well-balanced dial is pure elegance and style. All in fact that Jaeger-LeCoultre has always represented. The dial is furnished with a mix of ‘arrowhead’ hour indices and standard Arabic ‘3 – 6 – 9 – 12’ standard Arabic numerals, matched by the original restored ‘dauphine’ hands. The black of the dial contrasts beautifully with the yellow gold case and hands. Black dial Jaeger-LeCoultre’s are extremely rare.

This is classic vintage dress watch dial design at its best. Simple, elegant, and just right. Something many contemporary watch dials fail to achieve.

The black dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ at the very top of the dial just below 12.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to the highest standards and, as can be seen, is in outstanding condition.

The Movement

As mentioned above, this watch contains the superb, original JLC Calibre K478/G hand- wound movement. This legendary movement was designed and produced at a time when investment and development in hand-wound watch movements was at its highest. Research, development and investment during and after World War 2, led to the production of the Omega Cal.30T2, the IWC Cal.89 and the JLC K800C. Each of these legendary movements was designed from the ground up for new levels of shock resistance, reliability and accuracy. The K in the calibre number refers to a special and highly effective form of shock protection, designed and patented by Jaeger-LeCoultre and referred to as the ‘Kif Flector’ system.

The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss’, along with the Calibre number 478/G and the movement serial number 1411418 which dates this watch to 1960.

Following an overhaul and service by our Jaeger-LeCoultre specialist watchmaker, the movement is running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +13 seconds per day. This is truly outstanding for a watch of this age. The watch also has a power reserve of 42 hours. This watch movement is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months warranty*. We will also be more than happy to assist with servicing in the future.

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

The Case

The 9ct yellow gold two-piece watch case measures 35mm, excluding the correct unsigned crown.

As with all JLC watch cases, the quality of its design, construction and finish is obvious. This is a two-piece press-fit design with a bezel which is integral to the case, for better water and dust resistance. It is beautifully crafted and noticeably sturdier and heavier than even the best of its peers from the same period.

The case has been carefully inspected, cleaned and lightly polished and is in immaculate condition with no scratches, dings, dimples or other marks visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back is simply signed with 9ct hallmarks and externally, the case-back carries the serial number 111447. This number is clear, indicating the watch case has not been over-polished. Also, importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality ligh brown crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a plain gold-plated buckle. We feel this complements the watch nicely, 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 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 1960.

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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box as shown in the photographs.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. 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.

In Conclusion

This is a simply wonderful vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watch which is much more stylish than the modern equivalent. Even though it is over sixty years old, this watch is still completely fresh, reliable and highly practical to wear as an everyday watch should you so wish, but mostly, it is a thing of beauty to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. Should you wish to view it this way, it will also make an excellent investment or heirloom piece, because as each year goes by, and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever greater, limited supply, linked with particularly high demand from the Far East, means prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

A beautiful example of a timeless classic from one of horology’s most prestigious names, which if treated with care, 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.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

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

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.