Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.P478/C 18ct Pink Gold 1949 Oversize

Description

It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for its own watches, has also produced movements for a number of other famous watch houses such as Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and IWC. Indeed for most of the 20th Century, Jaeger-LeCoultre even supplied bare movements to the great firm of Patek Philippe. Then as now, Jaeger-LeCoultre has always been considered one of the very finest watchmakers in Switzerland and so of course, the world.

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 winding crown, i.e. 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.

Here we have a beautiful example of a gentleman’s classic, time only Jaeger-LeCoultre dress watch, in superb fully restored condition. This watch has the most beautiful two-tone dial and pink gold case, along with the very highly regarded Cal.P478/C movement which is in sparkling condition. This movement makes this a very accurate and reliable wristwatch, perfect for special occasions or with care, everyday use.

The Dial

This stunning two-tone 3 – 6 – 9 dial is transcribed by the wonderful original, restored ‘dauphine’ style hands. The numerals and ‘arrowhead’ hour indices and hands are in pink gilt which contrasts beautifully against the ivory-cream of the inner dial and the blue-grey of the outer dial – all the height of elegance and complementing the pink gold watch case perfectly.

This is a classic late 1940s Jaeger-LeCoultre dial with the inner section bordered by the classic ‘rail track’ minutes scale.

This beautifully balanced dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Fabrique En Suisse’ for Swiss made. The overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of classic simplicity and elegance.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The watch is complete with its all original ultra-high quality, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre P478/C, 17 Jewel hand-wound movement. This movement is 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. This involves completely dismantling the movement 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. As can be seen in the images, the movement is in superb sparking condition.

The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number P478/C and the movement serial number 678658, dating the year of manufacture to 1949.

This watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +2 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age! The watch has a runtime of 40 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.

*Note – The 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The high quality LeCoultre Swiss-made watch case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned JLC crown. This was an exceedingly large watch by the standards of the day and we therefore refer to this as an Oversize watch case. The case is of a two-piece construction with an integral bezel for improved water, moisture and dust protection. The beautiful lugs are swept back and as can be seen in the photographs, slightly lifting the case on the wrist.

This watch has clearly been very well cared for as the case has no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye.

The press-fit case-back is a nice tight fit and importantly, it is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

Inside, the case-back is marked ‘LC’ with 18ct hallmarks and externally, the case carries the serial number 502339. The case number is quite distinct, indicating the watch case has not been over-polished.

Our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality brown Alligator strap has been fitted, along with a pink gold-plated Jaeger-LeCoultre buckle. We feel the strap suits the watch very well, 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 17mm straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1949.

Detailed particulars will be included with our 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.

A high quality hardwood presentation box is included in the sale as shown.

In Conclusion

This is a beautiful example of a classic vintage watch from one of horology’s most famous names and if treated with care, one which will remain an excellent investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy. It 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 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +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.

Thank you.