The movement
used in this watch is LeCoultre calibre P812 and a superb seventeen
jewelled example of a classic bumper automatic. For those unfamiliar with the
term, this describes the system of self-winding where, rather than having full
360 degree rotation as was later introduced, the watch is wound by means of an
oscillating rotor than is only allowed to travel through 180 degree, being
arrested by buffer springs that then bounce the rotor back in its original
direction. These movements are enormously charismatic and when in use, the
wearer can actually feel a distinct bumping sensation as the rotor hammers back
and forth to wind the watch.
The P812 is one of the finest quality and best finished bumper automatic movements ever made, by any brand. This top quality 17 jewel VXN
example of the half rotor wound in house manufactured LeCoultre bumper automatic
movement is in particularly good order having been fully stripped down,
cleaned, oiled and serviced by a Rolex trained and accredited watchmaker and
Craft Member of the British Horological Institute with over 40 years experience
and this lovely watch is offered with a full year warranty as a result.
The movement is signed 'LeCoultre'; '17 jewels unadjusted'; 'Le Coultre P812
VXN' and the serial number '1095208' which dates the watch to approximately 1955.
In the 1950s, as a consequence of prohibitive import duties of luxury
European goods into the United States, Jaeger LeCoultre exported their watch
movements separately to the U.S. where they were cased under licence by
LeCoultre Vacheron. These movements were stamped 'VXN'. Movements signed
'unadjusted' attracted a lower rate of duty, although the movements are in fact
adjusted to at least 3 positions.
The watch case is all gold filled stainless steel showing little evidence of
wear apart from some marks to the side of the case on the non-crown side and
some unfortunate toolmark scratching to the caseback. The 10k gold filled stainless steel screw case back
is signed 'Cased and timed in USA by LeCoultre'; '2253-1'; '10k gold filled',
with the reference number '8806834'.
There is some evidence of light use
throughout, as you would expect from a 60 year old original, but the watch
has clearly been looked after throughout its life. The freshly cleaned and
serviced movement adjusts perfectly from the gold filled steel original crown
which also operates smoothly.
This lovely old timepiece is supplied with both a good quality black padded genuine leather strap with gold plated steel buckle and
a matching genuine period gold plated steel Speidel expanding bracelet, both of which look stunning on the wrist. Please let me know which you would prefer fitted before dispatch.
This wonderful period watch is presented in a high quality brand new wooden presentation box with black gloss finish.
Please examine the pictures closely to confirm the description and condition of
this all original vintage LeCoultre.