Jaeger-LeCoultre
Since its founding in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has had a highly 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 world’s first keyless watch, its Calibre 101, the Futurematic, the Memovox or the iconic Reverso, it would be difficult to imagine a historical account of watchmaking without the mention of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
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 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. The company has always been a true ‘Manufacturer’ of the finest quality watch movements. Indeed Jaeger-LeCoultre has always manufactured all its own movements. This is unusual because very often, 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.
Description
Here we have a spectacular example of a gentleman’s classic 1940s, 18ct pink gold dress watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Pink gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watches from this period are particularly rare and the example here, in an oversize case with a beautiful previously restored ivory-cream dial, is very special. This watch has a very highly regarded Cal.449/3 hand-wound movement which is in sparkling condition. It is also very accurate and reliable, making the perfect watch for special occasions or with care, everyday use.
The Dial
The classic Jaeger-LeCoultre early 1940s dial is very simple, stylish and elegant. The previously restored ivory-cream dial is furnished with mixed original gilt ‘arrowhead’ hour indices along with ‘2 – 4 – 6 – 8 – 10 – 12’ standard Arabic numerals, which are matched with original gilt ‘index’ hands. This dial is complete with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6. The overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of classic simplicity and elegance.
The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial below 6.
This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard yet remains in outstanding condition.
The Movement
The watch is complete with its original ultra-high quality Calibre Cal.449/3, 17 jewels hand-wound movement. This is very highly regarded as one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most refined calibres and has become a cornerstone for its hand-wound movement development.
The middle of the 20th century was very likely the peak of interest and commercial development for simple, hand-winding time-only wristwatches. JLC’s contribution is its 12.5 ligne (about 28.5mm) family of movements, numbered variously from Calibers 449 through 494.
The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. 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 assembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration.
The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +7 seconds per day which is 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 and 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 assist with servicing again in around three years time.
The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number P449/C and with the movement serial number 491455, making the year of manufacture 1947.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The 18ct pink gold watch case is the much rarer oversize 36mm diameter, excluding the correct JL signed crown. The case is a superbly made two-piece design for increased dust and moisture protection. It has a thin bezel and straight swept back lugs which add elegance and simplicity to the watch.
The case is in excellent condition, having received a very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish. The watch has obviously been very well cared for as there are no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye.
The inside of the case back is signed with the correct Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the exterior of the case back carries the case serial number 509011 A.
Please note – vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new, high quality black leather strap has been fitted, along with a Jaeger-LeCoultre gold-plated buckle which we feel suits the watch very well. If however 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, but can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 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 1947.
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 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre presentation box shown in the photographs is included.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. 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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
In Conclusion
This exactly the kind of watch we love to find, bring back to life and offer here for sale. It’s many more times more stylish than the modern equivalent watch and even though it is now a half century old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch should you wish, but mostly it’s a thing of beauty, some would say, ourselves included, a work of art, from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watch-making. Should you wish to view it this way, it is also an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as something to treasure and enjoy, and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever greater, limited supply and high demand from the Far East, 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 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.
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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
