Jaeger-LeCoultre 18ct Cal.P450/4C 1951

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Perhaps the most interesting, creative and adventurous of all the major high-end watchmakers, Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833, has had an incredibly inventive history, developing over 1,250 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, the iconic Reverso or the Memovox alarm, 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

Classic time only hand-wound watches have a purity and charm all of their own and there’s been a resurgence of interest in these of late, particularly at the higher end, where the finest movements are found. Here we have a simply wonderful example, characterised by the ‘tropical’ unrestored dial. At 35.5mm, excluding the crown, this is an oversized watch by the standards of the period.

The Dial

This wonderful dial is original, unrestored and untouched and considering the age of the watch, it is also in really incredible condition. The dial appears ‘tropicalised’ which is due to considerable exposure to sunlight, turning the centre section of the dial a beautiful coffee colour. Therefore, due to its relatively good condition and for reasons of retaining the character and the originality of the watch, we have left it completely alone.

The dial shows very few other signs of ageing other than some very light spotting around the outside of the dial. Alternate applied numerals at 3 – 6 – 9 – 12 and ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with the solid gold hands, contrast perfectly with the aged dial and gold case. This beautiful watch is also framed by a minute rail track register.

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 who reports the movement to be in superb condition. 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.

The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number P450/46 and the movement serial number 784480, dating the year of manufacture to 1951.

The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +3 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 18ct yellow gold watch case is the much rarer oversize at 35.5mm in diameter, excluding the 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 designed case for increased dust and moisture protection. It has a thin bezel and straight swept-back lugs which add elegance and simplicity to the watch. It is also in excellent condition, having 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 properly marked and as expected with Swiss 18ct hallmarks. Externally, the case carries the serial number 574293. 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.

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality brown alligator strap has been fitted, along with a JLC gold-plated 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 of 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 1951.

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”.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.

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

In Conclusion

An exceptional and collectable gentleman’s dress watch from one of horology’s most revered names. This will not only make an excellent dress watch, but also a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use on a daily basis should you so wish. It will also provide an excellent investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!

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 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.

If you have any questions, please call 020 7727 7095 or +44 207 727 7095.

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.

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.