Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.476/2 Automatic 1949

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Since its founding in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has had a highly 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 world’s first keyless watch, its Calibre 101, the Futurematic, the Memovox, or the iconic Reverso, it would be difficult to imagine a historical account of watchmaking without the mention of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for its own watches, has also produced 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. The company has always been a true ‘Manufacturer’ of the finest quality watch movements and Jaeger-LeCoultre has always manufactured all its own movements. This is unusual because very often, 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.

Description

Here we have a first class example of an important watch… the very first automatic wristwatch from Jaeger-LeCoultre. A beautiful 3 – 6 – 9 – 12 Breguet numeral dial and classic 1940s steel watch case with sweeping lugs. Along with the movement, each is in extraordinary condition. At 33.5mm, excluding the crown, this is a good size watch this period. The watch is in beautiful full condition following a recent restoration.

The Movement

The movement here is the Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 476, 17 Jewel movement. The Cal.476, also known as the 12A, was very the first automatic movement from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Introduced in 1946, the Calibre 476 came 20 years after John Harwood and Blancpain presented the first automatic wristwatch. With an excellent hour power reserve of 42 hours, this movement was accurate enough to be certified as a Chronometer in 1958. For those unfamiliar with the term “Bumper” Movement, this describes the system of self-winding, where rather than having full 360 degree rotation as was later introduced, the movement is wound by means of a rotor which oscillates through 170 degrees. It is then arrested by buffer springs which then bounce the rotor back in its original direction. These movements are enormously charming and charismatic when in use. When first worn, the wearer can feel a very slight, but distinct bump sensation as the rotor bounces back and forth to wind the watch. One soon becomes accustomed to this and after a short while, it is hardly noticeable in day to day use.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This involves complete dismantling of the movement to each of its component parts, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required, only with new JLC originals, then careful assembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration.

The watch is now running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +8 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. The watch has a runtime of 42 hours from its fully wound state which shows the movement is particularly strong and running and well within expected parameters. It is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty* and to assist with servicing again in around three years time.

The movement is signed Jaeger-LeCoultre Co and ‘Fab Suisse’ with the calibre number P476/2 and with the movement serial number 657,900, dating the year of manufacture to 1949.

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability, making this the perfect watch for special occasions or with care, everyday use!

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

The Dial

The classic, slightly Off-White/Cream dial, carries yellow gilt applied Breguet numerals and arrowhead hour indices, matched by the original restored Index hands. The simplicity, elegance, lightness of the dial counter the heavy and slightly over-engineered 1940s style of the watch case.

The lens is new, having been replaced with a new original part during the restoration.

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

The Watch Case

The steel watch case measures 33.5mm, excluding the correct JL signed winding crown. This makes this a good size watch for the 1940s. The heavy three-piece ribbed case with a wide bezel has quite a bold character, with strong sweeping lugs and a deep case-back to accommodate the rotor. It is in excellent condition, having received a very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish, although the watch has obviously been very well cared for, as there are no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye. The case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high-quality black Lizard strap has been fitted, along with an original, period, steel Jaeger-LeCoultre 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 18mm 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 1948.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given 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.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.

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

In Conclusion

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.

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.