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 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, 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 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.
Here we have a very well cared for and lightly used 1953 vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre ‘Powermatic’ automatic watch in 9ct solid yellow gold which has been restored throughout to the very highest standards. As can be seen see from the photographs, this watch is in totally immaculate condition.
Description
It is becoming popular again, for watch manufacturers to include a ‘Power Reserve Indicator’** on some of their more sophisticated automatic watches and fantastically useful they are too, in allowing one to know when a watch is running low on power. This helps avoid unnecessary winding of a watch, simply because one feels it may be running low on power. Conversely, it also encourages one to wind the watch when it is running out of power and avoiding the watch stopping and losing track of time. Note – it is actually prudent to keep a watch at least 2/3rds fully wound in order to maintain the best accuracy.
**A Power Reserve Indicator (originally called Réserve de Marche), is a ‘complication’ of a watch, which is designed to show the amount of remaining stored energy. The power reserve indicator indicates the tension on the mainspring at any particular moment and is one of the most useful features of a mechanical watch besides the actual time display.
Introduced in 1948, the Calibre 481 evolved from the very first automatic movement from Jaeger-LeCoultre, i.e. the JLC Cal.476. Like the Cal.476, the Cal.481 features a bumper winding mechanism, meaning the rotor bounces between springs in an arc of around 220 degrees. The JLC 481 was the first watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre with a power reserve meter and although the movement has been updated, this product line has continued today, with the name Powermatic and Reserve De Marche.
Even though is this one of the earliest Jaeger-LeCoultre automatic watches, this is an exceedingly accurate and highly reliable timepiece, which is perfectly useable and practical today.
The Watch Dial
The Powermatic has a ‘Power Reserve indicator’ which reads ’40’ on a white background when fully wound, or ‘charged’ and indicates the watch’s 40hr power reserve. As this runs down, the meter not only continues to indicate the power level or ‘charge’, but the background changes to red, as the charge falls below 10 hours.
Knowing, or at least being reassured of, this information was perhaps more important in the early days of automatic watches, as other early examples produced by other manufacturers were not so reliable and did not have such a large power reserve. However, this is a very useful feature to have, even today.
This simple, classic understated dial is pure elegance and style. All in fact which Jaeger-LeCoultre represents. The dial is a Pearl White with a slight silvered reflective quality which picks up the light beautifully. Depending on the environment, the colour moves subtly between pure white and a warm pearl white. The original gold faceted ‘Dauphine’ hands are in superb condition, as are the applied gold Arabic, Breguet style numerals and baton hour indices. The dial is signed ~ Jaeger-LeCoultre and Automatic and Fabrique En Suisse.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest possible standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.
The lens is clear having been replaced with a new original.
The Movement
The watch carries the original Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre.481, 17 Jewel movement, which is in tip-top condition following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre specialist watchmaker. This means the movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original parts where required, then careful calibration and testing. Upon return, the watch is now running to within +8 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age! When fully wound, this movement has a 40-hour power reserve. It has been very well maintained and cared for and as can be seen, the movement is in sparkling condition.
The movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ ‘Automatic’ with the Calibre No.481, along with the serial number 975096, 17 Jewels Swiss. This serial number dates this watch to 1953.
These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making it completely practical and appropriate for regular everyday use. Our watchmaker has indicated this particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 2 to 3 years we fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore very pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement* and servicing in the future, as required.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage Watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Watch Case
Solid gold Jaeger-LeCoutre Powermatics are rare, as for some reason many were made with rolled gold cases which are effectively steel with a thicker gold plate. This large size 35mm multi-faceted watch case is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in two pieces with a press-fit case-back which closes with a pleasingly solid click indicating an excellent fit. At 12mm, this is quite a deep case in order to accommodate the sizeable 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, dings or damage, visible to the naked eye. The inside of the case is correctly signed DTE. It also carries the correct London UK 9ct hallmarks which date this watch to 1953. This is a British market Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. British market watch cases were made for Jaeger Le-Coultre 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 Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new, genuine Crocodile strap with a gold plated buckle. Please note 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 burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating the watch to 1953.
Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, 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 a nice hardwood presentation box as shown.
In Conclusion
This is a simply amazing vintage gold Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, in addition to being a particularly significant model in the evolution of automatic watches. We are very proud to offer this superb example here in completely immaculate condition. It is many more times more stylish than a modern equivalent watch and even though 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!
To summarise, this is a rare and highly collectable vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most respected names which will be certain to provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy!
A word about 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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 welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will 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 our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
