Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.882 Automatic 9ct, 1969

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 simply beautiful, fully restored Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s automatic dress watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1969. As can be seen, this is an elegant, classic and understated timepiece. However, on closer examination, this watch is seriously impressive for the quality of its case, dial and overall construction. The heavy two-piece watch case has a screw-back, for improved water and dust resistance.

This watch also has one of the highest quality automatic movements made by JLC at the time, on par with the very best available from any Swiss manufacturer.

Note: As this watch carries 1969 hallmarks it will make a wonderful 50th birthday present!

The Dial

The simple, classic, understated and beautifully well-balanced dial is pure elegance and style. All in fact that Jaeger-LeCoultre represents.

The ivory-cream dial is furnished with black onyx inlaid gold hour indices matched by original restored ‘Index’ hands. The ivory-cream of the dial contrasts beautifully with the case and hands. This is classic vintage dress watch dial design at its best. Simple and just right. Something many contemporary watch dials fail to achieve.

The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Automatic’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are among the highest quality and top tier of most highly regarded Swiss watch manufacturers.

Introduced in 1961, the Calibre 882 was much more advanced than earlier Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic movements. No longer a bumper movement, Cal 882 features a full 360º winding system and unlike many similar movements of the era, can self-wind in both directions. It beats at 19,800 bph and has a sweep second hand. This movement is from the same family of movements as the Chronometer rated Calibre 881, used in the famous Jaeger-LeCoultre Geomatic.

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, before careful re-assembly, lubrication, calibration and testing. This watch winds and sets smoothly and is currently keeping accurate time, consistently, to within 9 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 ‘Le Coultre Co’ ‘17 Jewels’ with the Calibre number K882. The movement serial number is 2002983 which dates this watch to 1969.

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

The Case

This heavy multi-faceted watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Jaeger-LeCoultre signed crown and is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in two pieces with a screw-back case-back for improved water resistance.

The case carries short and sturdy swept back lugs, presenting the watch very nicely. As this is quite a robust case, it is quite deep at 12mm. Due to its sophisticated construction with multiple facets, the watch sits beautifully on the wrist and looks every bit the quality piece it is. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye.

The inside of the case-back all is correct and as expected: signed ‘LeCoultre’, ‘Swiss’, with 9ct hallmarks and the reference numbers 3861 and 3961. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed Externally the case-back carries the case serial number 1187057.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with a new, high-quality brown crocodile skin strap with a gold plated buckle. 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 burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the movement reference number, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1969.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included, with our detailed receipt and our 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”.

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

In Conclusion

This is a simply wonderful vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watch which is much more stylish than a modern equivalent. Even though it is 50 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch, should you wish. Most of all it is a thing of beauty – some may say a ‘work of art’ from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watch-making. However you wish to view it, this time-piece will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to treasure, use and enjoy. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger, the limited supply allied to high demand means prices will climb ever higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then 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 on Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

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

Thank you.