Jaeger-LeCoultre K800/C 18ct 1962

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, the calibre 101, or the iconic Reverso, it would be difficult to imagine a historical account of watchmaking without the mention of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

It is not so well known, that in addition to producing movements for its own watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always produced a great many movements for a number of famous watch houses including Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, IWC, and Cartier. Indeed for most of the 20th Century, Jaeger-LeCoultre even supplied bare movements to the great firm of Patek Philippe. 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. The exquisite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 920, is still in production and in use today by both Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet.

Description

Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are all about the perfection of their movements, wonderful aesthetics and the quality of their watch cases. Also, at a given price point, the absolute confidence that if one purchases a Jaeger-LeCoultre, one is buying one of the finest timepieces available. Here we have a perfect example, with the classic JLC cross-hair dial which just exudes simple style, elegance, and pure class.

The Movement

This watch contains the superb, original JLC Calibre K800/C hand-wound, 17 Jewels movement. This legendary movement was designed and produced at the time when investment and development in hand-wound watch movements were at its highest. Research, development and investment during and after World War 2, led to 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, Swiss Made and it carries the Calibre number 800/C and the movement serial number 1459442 which dates this watch to 1962.

Following an overhaul and service by our Jaeger-LeCoultre specialist watchmaker, the movement is running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +5 seconds per day. This is truly outstanding for a watch of this age. The watch 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 Dial

The beautifully elegant ivory cream cross-hair dial carries inlaid gilt ‘Baton’ hour indices, matched by the original restored gilt ‘Index’ style hands. The cross-hairs are typical of the Jaeger-LeCoultre style and emphasise the symmetry of the dial beautifully.

The dial is very simply signed with an applied gilt ‘JL’ brand, Jaeger-LeCoultre and “Swiss Made”. The overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of classic simplicity and elegance. The lens is new, having been replaced with a new original as part of the restoration.

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 U.K.

The Watch Case

The 18ct Pink gold two-piece watch case measures 34mm, excluding the original JL signed 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 all correctly marked as expected with LeCoultre Swiss branding and the patent mark Brevet +76929, along with Swiss 18ct hallmarks, ’18ct 0.750′, ‘SWISS’, and the model reference number 2285.  The case-back also carries the external serial number 825458A. 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 Sea Blue Crocodile leather strap has been fitted, which we feel compliments the watch nicely, along with a pink gold plated JLC 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 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 18mm 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 1962. Detailed particulars will be included with your purchase 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 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.

The high-quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is exactly the kind of rare and interesting watch we love to find, restore and offer for sale to you here. It’s many more times more elegant than the modern equivalent watch and if produced today, the same standards of quality and finish would cost many thousands of £££s.

Even though it is over fifty 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.

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 us 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 this.

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.