Jaeger-LeCoultre K880 Automatic 9ct 1961

Jaeger-LeCoultre

It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for its own watches, also produced watch 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. 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 brand 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 keyless watch, the 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 buy 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

A beautiful fully restored Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s automatic dress watch in 9ct yellow gold from 1961. As can be seen, the dial design is highly elegant, clean and simple and typical of the 1960s. Its Calibre K880 automatic movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, being one of the highest quality movements made by JLC at the time. This was on par with the very best available from any Swiss manufacturer during the 1960s. Its high quality waterproof case means this watch is practical and perfect for both evening wear and everyday use.

The Movement

This watch contains its all original, very high quality Calibre K880 automatic movement. This movement was so well designed and engineered, a development of this calibre became the Calibre 881G which was fitted to the JLC Geomatic Chronometer, a highly prized watch among collectors which now often sells for two to three times the price you see here. Furthermore, a development of this calibre, the K888, is still manufactured by Jaeger-LeCoultre today! So good was the Calibre K880 that regular production models routinely achieved the chronometer grade standard of its day. Indeed following its overhaul by our vintage Jaeger specialist watchmaker, the example you see here is now running at an absolutely flat +4 sec per/day when tested on our electronic timegrapher. This is on par with the very best. It is likely, the only reason this watch was not retailed as a ‘Chronometer’, is that Jaeger-LeCoultre, unlike Rolex and Omega, were not in the habit of submitting its watches out of routine, for independent Chronometer testing. Apparently, some were occasionally sent to one of the Swiss Observatories for publicity purposes and to demonstrate its accuracy and reliability, but Jaeger-LeCoulture perhaps felt, in line with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantine, that as anyone purchasing a Jaeger-LeCoultre would be already sufficiently assured as to the quality of the watch movement. So they did not need the word Chronometer written on the dial!

Incidentally, the K in the calibre number refers to a special and highly effective form of shock protection, designed and patented by Jaeger-LeCoultre, referred to as the ‘Kif Flector’ system. This means not only is this watch highly accurate, but it is also highly shock resistant and reliable too! As with all the highest quality watch movements, it has been beautifully finished. Perfect ‘Geneva Waves’ decorate the bridge plates and rotor and each individual screw has been hand-polished. This, along with proper servicing in the interim, means the movement looks as good today as it did the day it was made.

The movement is signed LeCoultre Co, with the calibre number K880 and the movement serial number 1463361, making the year of manufacture 1961.

The watch is running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +4 second per day which is truly outstanding for a 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 well within expected parameters.

This watch movement is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we therefore 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.

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

The Dial

The simple, classic, understated and beautifully well-balanced dial is pure elegance and style. All in fact that Jaeger-LeCoultre has always represented. The dial is furnished with ‘Baton’ hour indices matched by the original restored ‘Index’ hands. The ivory-cream of the dial contrasts beautifully with the case and hands.

This is classic vintage dress watch dial design at its best. Simple, elegant, and just right. Something many contemporary watch dials fail to achieve.

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

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Case

This large sized 34mm multi-faceted watch case is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in three pieces with a waterproof screw-down case-back. This is quite a slim case at 9.5mm in depth and at the time it was made, would have been one of the slimmest watches available to accommodate the automatic movement. Due to the sophisticated case construction with multiple edges and elegant acute profile, the watch sits beautifully on the wrist and looks every bit the quality piece it is. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye. The inside of the case is correctly signed DTE and also carries the correct London UK hallmarks which date the case to 1961. 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’.

The exterior of the case-back shows the case serial number 33092.

As ever, our standard 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, which we feel compliments the watch nicely, along with a Jaeger-LeCoultre 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 18mm straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the movement reference number, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1961.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included, with our detailed receipt and our 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”.

The watch also comes complete with the hardwood presentation box as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

This is a simply wonderful vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watch which is much more stylish than a modern equivalent. Even though it is over 50 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch, should you wish. Most of all it is a thing of beauty – some may say a ‘work of art’ from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watch-making. However you wish to view it, this time-piece will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something to treasure, use 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 climb ever higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then 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.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.