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The Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch Co. of Switzerland was established in Le Sentier, Valee de Joux in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre. After 170 years it is still one of the most important manufacturers of ebauches (raw movements), and has supplied mechanisms to almost all the notable producers of luxury watches, including Vacheron & Constantin and Patek Philippe. Merging with the Alsatian watch factory of Edmond Jaeger in 1925, the name Jaeger LeCoultre soon appeared on wrist watch dials. They are a watch collectors watch and rank as investment-grade timepieces.

 


 I am pleased to offer for sale the following vintage timepiece from the firm, a men's Powermatic (wind indicator) model that dates to ca 1954. More specifically it is a Nautilus model, set within a good weight 10kt. Yellow Gold filled case with sculpted lugs. When new it retailed for around $85 and was imported by Longines-Wittnauer as LeCoultre was a division of its operations in the USA and Canada.



 

 Triple signed for LeCoultre (dial, case and mechanism), it measures 42.2mm lug tip to lug tip and 34.8mm in width (36.2mm with partially recessed original unmarked winding crown). This works out to be just over 1-5/8 inches long by 1-3/8 inches wide, not including the crown.  My watchmaker David has fully serviced its original LeCoultre 481 caliber bumper automatic mechanism, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

 

The original, enamel finished dial is in excellent condition. It features raised gold hour markers, original gold metal hands and a sweep original blue steel center seconds hand. Signed LeCoultre Automatic below the 12 and SWISS below the 6.


 

 Below the 12 is the wind indicator window and it displays the reserve time up to 40 hours. Please note that the color of this rotating disk changes to Red when it gets down to 10 hours in time but I took the photos when it was closer to 40 hours of reserve.


 

 The gently domed acrylic crystal is in excellent condition, a new old stock addition. The LeCoultre-signed case is in excellent shape, 10 Karat Yellow Gold Filled with a nice weight to it. Note the fancy, sculpted lugs. The winding crown, unmarked, is the correct original example in excellent shape, operating smoothly.


 

 Turning the watch over I see that the screw down back lid is in great overall shape with just a bit of light wear, held in place by a separate stainless steel screw down ring. It has never been engraved, past or present.

 

 Inside I find a high-grade Seventeen Jewel bumper automatic mechanism that rotates approximately 300 degrees back and forth like an Omega bumper automatic.  It is signed LeCoultre Co., Seventeen 17 Jewels, [Caliber] 481, Swiss - VXN. The inside case lid is stamped Cased & Timed in U.S.A. by LeCoultre  - 10k Gold Filled with case number below. The model number is 8986.


 

 This watch has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a new deBeer 18mm black hand crafted smooth leather band with gold finished buckle.  All in all a beautifully preserved, beautifully designed collectible Nautilus wind indicator watch from one of the finest of the Swiss watch makers. I think the winner is going to be very pleased.


 

 

  • Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I am especially proud of my excellent feedback and high number of repeat clients.
  • Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, watches for men made from the 1910s to 1970s were noticeably smaller than what is considered normal today.
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  • U.S. winners pay $10.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS First-Class Mail shipping. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.6% sales tax.
  • Canadian bidders pay $22.00 for Registered Air Mail shipping with tracking (I pay the insurance) or $36 for EMS Global Express, about 5 days faster.  International buyers pay $49.00 (actual cost) for EMS Global Express Mail with tracking and insurance, the insurance part covered by me.
  • International buyers, please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving your cleared payment but your local custom authorities can cause delays. Expect it to take 7 to 30 days for international delivery.
  • Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.
  • In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt,  I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David, in NYC) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you.
  • If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to the 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.
  • Holben's-Fine-Watch-Bands Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of straps including Fluco, Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment clasps and buckles; metal bracelets; WWII canvas military; genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant.

  • My very old dog, Cautious Carl, and I want thank everyone for 15 GREAT YEARS on eBay. Keep on ticking!

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