One of the iconic dress watches, this men’s LeCoultre with its knotted lugs 14k gold case is a design classic.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
After a lot of research, we have found decent evidence to suggest a 1948 date. We have found very similar watches with movement serial numbers that are both before during and after 1948 and this watch fits the pattern perfectly. The serial number also fits nicely into the range given in the excellent book on Jaeger-LeCoultre by Zaf Basha for 1948. We inquired with JLC about obtaining an extract from the archives, but the cost of this is 250CHF (£196/$256US) and this is too expensive in our opinion.
CONDITION
The LeCoultre name was used on Jaeger LeCoultre watches imported into the USA up until the mid 1980’s. Most often as a way of getting around the import duty on gold watches, the movements, dial, hands and crown were sent to the US to be cased there, in designs made under license.
The 480/CW LeCoultre hand winding movement is running well, as these do. Vacheron Constantin also used this movement in some of their watches (these two big brands also shared same the US importer, Longines-Wittnauer). The case, stamped on the inside LeCoultre 14k, is in good condition and the acrylic glass is new. The dial may have been restored – we have taken photos of the dial uncased to allow you to judge for yourself. The hands are functional but the hour hand has a slight bend and the minute hand may be a matched replacement. The crown is not signed. The leather strap is new. While these watches were designed for men the size and the change is fashion sees them also worn by ladies who appreciate the quality and design.
This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any images, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 30.8 mm
Width without crown 29.5 mm
Between lugs 16 mm
Lug to lug length 38.1 mm
Bracelet maximum length n/a
Thickness 9.3 mm
All sizes are approximate
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.