Jaeger-LeCoultre

1950s LeCoultre Automatic Powermatic 14K YG 'Cal. 481' W/ Box & Papers

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Antoine LeCoultre created the LeCoultre brand in 1833, originally creating movement blanks—or unfinished movements—for some of Switzerland's most prestigious watchmaking houses, including Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.

In 1937, LeCoultre merged with Jaeger to form Jaeger-LeCoultre and went on to become the brand we know and love today (though until the 1980s Jaeger-LeCoultre reserved the name “LeCoultre” only on their watches destined for the United States).

The brand has crafted myriad iconic and timeless watches, but one of the more interesting pieces is the Powermatic—the first wristwatch to offer a power reserve indicator, with 40 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

This piece is a fantastic, clean example of this iconic watch, featuring a 14k gold case with matching gilt hands and hour markers, plus the power meter at 12 o'clock which adds a little mystery to watch for the uninitiated. And the fact that it comes with its original box and papers makes it even sweeter.

SPECS

Stock # JLCPM481-2
Brand LeCoultre
Style Powermatic
Model Cal. 481
Serial 10XXX
Size Men's
Material 14K Yellow Gold
Dial Brushed Silver
Millimeters 34.5
Strap 2pc Leather Strap

 

CASE & BRACELET

The 14k gold case is in remarkable condition, exhibiting full, crisp, and even lugs with no notable evidence of being previously polished present. It features its original unsigned crown. The case back is in excellent condition with minor marks from wear. The watch comes supplied on a two-piece handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The brushed silver lume-free dial is in incredible condition overall and showing almost no signs of age or patina. The power meter sitting at 12 o'clock is white when the watch is fully wound, then switches to red as the movement gets low on power. The gilt hour markers, including an Arabic numeral at 12 o'clock, are all flawless, as are the matching sword-style hands.

ACCESSORIES 

The watch comes with its original box and papers, though the papers remain unfilled out and the box features a minor repair with tape to maintain its functionality. The previous service history is unknown but the watch is operating perfectly and keeping time. It's backed by 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.