Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal.P449/3c 1944

Jaeger-LeCoultre

It is not commonly known that Jaeger-LeCoultre, in addition to producing movements for all its own watches, has also produced movements for many other 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 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 winding crown, i.e. 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 often 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 superb example of a gentleman’s classic 1940s, dress watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre with an oversize 35mm case and wonderful dial, complete with mixed ‘arrowhead’ hour indices with Standard Arabic numerals and ‘Dauphine’ hands. This watch has a very highly regarded Cal.P449/3c movement which is in sparkling condition and is very accurate and reliable, making this the perfect watch for evening wear or with care, everyday use. As with all of our watches, this watch is in previously restored condition and will be sold with our 12 month warranty and Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

The Dial

The classic Jaeger-LeCoultre early 1940s dial is very simple, stylish and elegant. The outstanding previously restored silver dial is furnished with mixedapplied yellow gilt ‘arrowhead’ hour indices, interspersed with beautiful standard Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12. These are matched with original yellow gilt ‘Dauphine’ hands. The dial also features a minute railway track which was popular during the 1940s.

The overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of classic simplicity and elegance. The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ at the very top of the dial just below 12.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard and remains in outstanding condition, as can be seen in the images.

The Movement

The watch is complete with its original ultra-high quality, 17 jewelled, Calibre Cal.449/3C hand-wound movement. This is very highly regarded as one of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most refined calibres and has become a cornerstone for its hand-wound movement development.

The middle of the 20th century was very likely the peak of interest and commercial development for simple, hand-winding time-only wristwatches. JLC’s contribution is its 12.5 ligne (about 28.5mm) family of movements, numbered variously from Calibers 449 through 494.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This involves complete dismantling 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 movement is signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre Co.’ and ‘Swiss’ with the calibre number P449/3C and with the movement serial number 337240, making the year of manufacture 1944.

The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +9 seconds per day which is outstanding for any watch of this age. The watch has a runtime of 40 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 assist with servicing again in around three years time.

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

The Watch Case

The stainless steel watch case is the much rarer oversize 35mm diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown. This is considered an oversize case as typical Jaeger-LeCoultre watch cases sizes were 33mm at the time this watch was made.

The case is of a superbly made two-piece design for increased dust and moisture protection. It has a thin integral bezel and beautiful ‘teardrop’ lugs which add elegance and style to the watch.

The case is in excellent condition and has simply required a very gentle and sympathetic clean and polish. The watch has obviously been very well cared for as there are no dings, scratches or marks visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, all is properly marked and as expected with ‘Stainless Steel’ and the exterior of the case-back shows the serial number 291055. This external case number is clear, indicating the watch case has not been over-polished. Importantly, the case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved.

Please note – vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new, high-quality black alligator strap has been fitted, along with a plain stainless steel 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 straps if you wish.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1944.

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”.

The watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs.

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 exactly the kind of watch we love to find, service and offer to you for sale. It is many more times more stylish than the modern equivalent watch and even though it is almost 80 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as your everyday watch, should you wish. Mostly, it is a thing of beauty and some would say, a piece of art from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking.

Should you wish to view it this way, it is also an excellent investment and heirloom piece and as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever greater, limited supply and high demand from the Far East, 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 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.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also 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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.