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

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 rare, fully original, unrestored and untouched two-tone dial and rare 18ct pink gold case. At 35mm, excluding the unsigned 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, is also in really incredible condition. The two-tone honey dial is simply incredible and shows wonderful signs on ageing in the gentle pitting, spotting and fading.

This dial carries mixed ‘3 – 6 – 9 – 12’ standard Arabic numerals and ‘cube’ hour indices which are swept beautifully by the original ‘dauphine’ hands and a blued steel seconds hand. Simple, yet stunning. A minute rail track completes this dial around the centre and looks perfectly placed.

The dial is signed simply with ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ at the very top of the dial.

As this dial is original and unrestored, we have elected to leave this untouched by our restoration team. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

The watch is complete with its all original ultra-high quality, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre P478/C 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 Co’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number P478/C.

This watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +9 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 rare 18ct pink gold watch case is the much rarer oversize at 35mm in diameter, excluding the unsigned 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 of 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.

This external case number, 502617, is clear, indicating the watch case has not been over-polished. Importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A high quality black leather strap has been fitted, along with a plain pink 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 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 1949.

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, 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”.

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

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

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 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