Description
It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for all its own watches, has also produced movements for many 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 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
Here we have a superb example of a gentleman’s classic 1940s, 18ct gold dress watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre with an oversize 35mm case and wonderful dial, complete with ‘spearhead’ hour indices and ‘Dauphine’ hands. This watch has a very highly regarded Cal.450/4C movement which is in sparkling condition and is very accurate and reliable, making the perfect watch for evening wear or with care, everyday use. As with all of our watches, this watch is in fully restored condition and will be sold with our 12 month warranty and Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.
The Dial
This large dial comprises of Breguet style numerals and applied gilt ‘spearhead’ hour indices, matched with original ‘Dauphine’ hands, in yellow gold – all the height of elegance and complementing the gold watch case beautifully.
This is the classic 1940s and early ’50s Jaeger-LeCoultre dial, in ivory-cream, framed by a minute rail track register. The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and the overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches, 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 lens is new, having been replaced with a new original replacement as part of the restoration.
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. 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. As can be seen in the images, the movement is in superb condition.
The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number P450/4C and the movement serial number 353918, dating the year of manufacture to 1948.
The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +5 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 watch case is the much rarer oversize 35mm 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 teardrop lugs which add elegance and simplicity to the watch. It is is in excellent condition, having just received a very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish as the watch has obviously been very well cared for. 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 306894. 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 new, high-quality brown alligator strap has been fitted, along with a plain gold-plated 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.
Please note – it is very unlikely this watch would originally have been fitted with a JLC signed buckle when new.
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 1948.
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 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 mahogany presentation box is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is exactly the kind of watch we love to find, restore and offer to you for sale. It is many more times more stylish than the modern equivalent watch and even though it is now over 70 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch, should you wish. But mostly it is a thing of beauty, some would say, a piece of art from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking.
Should you wish to view it this way, it is also an excellent investment and heirloom piece 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!
This is a beautiful example of a classic vintage watch from one of horology’s most famous names and if treated with care, will remain an excellent investment as well as 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!
Please note, all vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
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 customer 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 0207 727 7095. If calling from overseas, +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.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
