Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.P480/C 18ct 1953

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 and 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 most elegant example of a gentleman’s classic 1950s, oversize 18ct dress watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre in fully restored condition. This watch has a very highly regarded Jaeger-LeCoultre movement which is very accurate and reliable, making the perfect watch for special occasions or with care, everyday use!

The Dial

The classic Silver dial with Yellow gilt raised numerals and arrowhead hour indices is matched by the original Yellow gilt ‘Dauphine’ hands. Simply signed Jaeger-LeCoultre and ‘Geneve’, with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, the overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of original, classic, simplicity and elegance. The lens is new, having been replaced as part of the restoration.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by the UK’s foremost dial restorers.

The Movement

The watch has its all original ultra-high quality, 17 jewelled, Calibre P480/C hand-wound movement. This movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate and reliable.

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 +11 seconds per day which is 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 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 to assist with servicing again in around three years time.

The movement is signed Jaeger-LeCoultre Co and ‘Fab Suisse’ with the calibre number P480/C and with the movement serial number 925390, making the year of manufacture 1953.

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

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold watch case is in excellent condition, having received a very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish, although the watch has obviously been very well cared for, as there are no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye. The case is the much rarer oversize 35mm diameter, not including the crown. The beautiful ’40s/50s teardrop lugs are also an attractive feature and give the watch a greater presence.

The case-back is properly marked as expected, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks, ’18ct 0.750′, ‘SWISS, and signed “L&C” for LeCoultre, with an external case serial number 643578 visible on the case-back. This number is clear, indicating the watch case has not been over polished. Also, importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality black Alligator strap has been fitted, along with a plain 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, 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 19mm straps if you wish.

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 1953.

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 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”.

This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box.

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 is exactly the kind of watch we love to find, restore and offer for sale. It is 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. 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 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 one which if treated with care, 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!

Please note – 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 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.