The (Jaeger) LeCoultre Futurematic was a really clever piece of watchmaking, and set the standard for years to come.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1954. This also ties in very nicely with a 1954 advert, featuring this exact model. At the time it had a retail price of $92.50.
CONDITION
The Futurematic was a pioneering watch, with several patents first employed on these models. It was marketed as the world’s first fully automatic watch, as it wasn’t possible to hand wind the watch. It also has a clever mechanism to allow the watch to restart faster, effectively allowing the watch to stop but keeping 6 hours power reserve in the spring. It even has a brake on the rotor to stop it if the watch is fully wound – not something we have ever seen before. Given this, having a power reserve on the dial is a very useful and practical addition, and adds symmetry to the constant seconds at three. The case is 10k gold filled, a much thicker treatment than gold plating, and only shows minor wear. The watch was cased and timed in the USA – which matches the dial just saying LeCoultre. Apparently it was decided that American’s struggled too much to say Jaeger-LeCoultre, so the name was shortened for that market. The dial is original and unrestored, just how we like it. There is light patination on it, but original dials are quite rare on this model and sought after. The watch did away with a conventional crown altogether, instead allowing you to slide the button on the back to then allow you to turn it and set the hands. This type of mechanism is known as back set, and does take a little getting used to. The seventeen jewel calibre 497 movement does have a way of winding the movement, just for the watchmaker to use, which is a lovely touch and much appreciated. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour or material if preferred. The watch is signed on the dial, case and movement.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
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 pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 34.9 mm
Width without crown 34.9 mm
Between lugs 17.5 mm
Lug to lug length 45.1 mm
Case Thickness 12.4 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
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. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
