Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.P800 18ct 1959

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 stunning original Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s dress watch in 18ct yellow gold from 1959. As can be seen, the dial is the main feature here, with a totally charming design in two-tone with the rare linen texturing. The dial is original, unrestored and untouched and considering the age of the watch, is in remarkable condition. The case and movement are also in exceptionally good condition, making this watch the perfect addition to any collection.

The Dial

The watch carries a rare example of an original, unrestored and untouched two-tone linen dial. The attractive coffee centre of the dial carries a subtle linen texturing. This contrasts beautifully with the hours chapter ring which is also in coffee, but with a stain finish. Gold faceted ‘baton’ hour indices catch the light wonderfully and are matched with the original unrestored gold ‘index’ style hands.

This dial design is seldom seen as not only was it was produced in small numbers, but also over a short time period. It elevates the watch towards the much more exclusive end of the range and would have been considered a very classy piece during its time.

We usually restore the dial of each of our watches as part of the restoration. However, as this  dial is in outstanding condition for its age with only a very light and even patina across the whole of the dial in the form of some very light spotting, we have elected to leave it completely alone to retain the originality and charm which some wearers prefer.

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

The Movement

Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are amongst the highest quality in the world and are very highly regarded by all watchmakers. The movement here is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre P800/C hand-wound, 17 Jewel movement. This legendary movement was designed and produced at the time when investment and development in hand-wound watch movements was at its highest. Research, rapid development and investment during and after World War 2, led to the Omega Cal.30T2, the IWC Cal.89 and the JLC K/P 800/C. Each of these legendary movements was designed from the ground up for new levels of shock resistance, reliability and accuracy. The K or P in the calibre number refers to the form of shock protection.

Following an overhaul and service by our Jaeger-LeCoultre specialist watchmaker, the movement is running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +4 seconds per day. This is truly outstanding for a watch of this age and the watch also has a power reserve of 42 hours.

This watch movement is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12-month warranty*. We will also be more than happy to assist with servicing in the future.

The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’, ‘Fab Suisse’. and ‘Swiss’ and carries the Calibre number 800/C and the movement serial number 1372250, dating  this watch to 1959.

*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 careful inspection and very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish. This was all that was required to bring it back to the condition you see here as the watch has obviously been very well cared for and shows no dings, scratches or other marks visible to the naked eye. The two-piece case is of the most elegant design. At 33mm in diameter, including the correct signed JLC crown, this watch is slightly larger than the more typical 32mm of this period. The lugs curve gently back, following the contour of the case and are an attractive feature.

Inside the case-back is all correctly marked as expected, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks, ’18ct 0.750′ and ‘DTE’. Importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

This is a British market Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. British market watch cases were made for Jaeger Le-Coultre by De Trevars, who were the British importers and case-makers for JLC during the 1950s and 1960s. This is the reason the case is signed ‘DTE’.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high quality dark brown alligator strap has been fitted, along with a gold-plated JLC 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 16mm 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 1959.

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 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”.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.

The hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a simply wonderful vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watch  and one which we are very proud to offer here in superb condition. It is many more times more stylish than a modern equivalent watch and even though over 60 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as an everyday watch, should you wish to do so. However you may view it, this timepiece will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to treasure 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 inevitably 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!

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.

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.

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 that happen to visit the UK 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 deliver your watch directly to you there.

If you have any questions please call on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas, on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

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.

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.