Jaeger-LeCoultre 18ct Cal.K818C 1971

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 Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s hand-wound dress watch in 18ct yellow gold from 1971. As can be seen, the dial design is clean and simple, highly elegant and rare, due to the linen dial. Its Calibre K818C 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.

The Dial

The rare, understated and beautifully well-balanced dial is pure elegance and style. All in fact that Jaeger-LeCoultre represents. The silver linen dial is furnished with ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with unrestored ‘Index’ Hands and carries the ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ signature at ‘3’. This is classic vintage dress watch dial design at its best and something which many contemporary watch dial designers attempt, but fail to emulate.

Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we offer here. However here, we decided due to its exceptional condition, to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. It also helps to offer a contrast with most of the other watches you see on our website, which have their dials restored.

If you particularly like this watch and you would prefer to have the dial restored, please contact us to enquire as this can be arranged at cost price.

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are among the highest quality and top tier of most highly regarded Swiss watch manufacturers. The movement used in this watch is the Jaeger LeCoultre calibre K818C, which is a superb 17 jewel example of a classic hand-wound. This legendary movement was designed and produced at the time when investment and development in hand-wound watch movements was at its highest.

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 to all its component parts, close inspection under high magnification and replacement where necessary using only original manufacturer parts, then careful re-assembly, lubrication, calibration and testing. This 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 have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months warranty.*

This movement is signed ‘Jaeger-Le Coultre’ and ‘K818C’. The movement serial number is 2565020.

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

The Case

This watch has a particularly attractive, 32mm, very high quality 18ct yellow gold case with an unusual, distinctive flat bezel which is integral to the two-piece case design.

This watch case is in immaculate condition, showing it has been very well cared for and indicating the watch has seen very little use. After thorough immersive cleaning, it has been carefully inspected and has simply required a gentle light hand-polishing to return it to its current superb condition.

The case carries the case serial number 877367 on the outside of the case-back and internally, is signed with the Jaeger-LeCoultre signature and Swiss 18ct hallmarks.

Please note, vintage watches should not be assumed to be waterproof and should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality black alligator strap and Jaeger-LeCoultre gold-plated buckle has been fitted which we feel matches the watch perfectly. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please do 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, however 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 16mm 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 1971.

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 hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

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 charming and totally original watch and even though it is around 50 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch. It is an item of beauty, from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking and a superb example of a classic 1970s vintage hand-wound watch from one of horology’s most famous names, in superb fully restored condition.

If treated with care, this watch will remain a simply wonderful timepiece, to use, wear, treasure and enjoy, providing excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment, as long lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watches grows, limited supply and high demand from around the world will mean prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

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.

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 that happen to visit the UK 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 your watch directly to you there.

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 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 take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.