Why This Watch Matters

This 18k pink gold JLC has an excellent patina throughout. We're loving the warm case metal matched with the creamy dial.

The Full Story

Most people associate Jaeger-LeCoultre with the Reverso, but if you look closely enough, you'll find some hidden gems from the brand in the vintage world. JLC is occasionally called the "watchmaker's watchmaker" for its long history of movement manufacturing and providing its in-house calibers to other high-end brands. This reputation speaks volumes about the work that the brand was doing in this period, specifically when it came to movement finishing and innovation. Jaeger-LeCoultre calibers can be found within watches from brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet – just to name a few.

The watch we have here is cased in 18k pink gold and checks in at a 35mm diameter, a large size for the time period which wears extremely well today. The long and downturned lugs stand out for this example, giving the simple dress watch a bit more intrigue and dimension on the wrist. Overall, the case has developed a great warm patina, giving the not-so-subtle hint that the watch is undeniably vintage. Inside the case, the dial features case-matching pink gold applied hour markers in a very simple and striking layout. The hour markers were intentionally darkened to give the watch better readability - this was not uncommon for the time period and has been seen in many other watches, including minute repeaters from Patek Philippe. The original silver-white dial has taken on a cream tone over the roughly 80 years of life this watch has lived. Varying from cream to eggshell, the dial fits the rest of this watch very well.

There is something about the full "Jaeger-LeCoultre" signature with its long underline joining the first and last letter on these vintage dials that is just special. The font and sizing is perfect so as to not overwhelm the design but gracefully integrate. Little details like the logo sizing and execution go a long way to making vintage watches exude that charm we all know and love. A couple more little details, the two hallmarks on the case – one on the side at nine o'clock and another on the five o'clock lug – are still present. Marks like these are easily polished away. The combination of the patina on the dial, the dauphine hands, and the minimal text on the dial give this watch an undeniable vintage look that we love.

We paired this Jaeger-LeCoultre with our Sedona strap in black to keep with the classic look and play off the warm pink gold tones. There are few combinations better than vintage pink gold and a great black leather strap.

The Fine Print

Maker: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Model: N/A
Reference: N/A
Year: Late 1940s
Case No: 616715A
Movement No: 1100776
Material: 18k pink gold
Dimensions: 35mm diameter; 9mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: No
Caliber: Jaeger-LeCoultre, manually-wound, caliber P469/1C
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In Black
Lug Width: 17mm
Box/Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Beautifully aged pink gold case
- Creamy dial patina
- Dauphine hands

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case
- Patina and wear on dial

The watch is in overall good, honest condition. The case is strong with nice edges on the lugs; it has developed an overall warm patina. There are some light scratches and indentations on the case, notably on the caseback, something most likely caused from the case being opened. The caseback is marked with the case number, which is crisp and legible. The hallmark on the case side at nine o'clock is clearly visible. The hallmark on the outside of the five o'clock lug is present.

The dial has developed a very light spotting throughout and presents in an off-white tone. This is commonly seen in these models. The dial has more concentrated patina and wear with some scratches toward the bottom, around five and six o'clock. The applied hour markers have developed patina and were applied with a darker colored paint to maximize legibility. The edge of the dial shows patina and wear. The dial has a couple spots of patina on the upper half and one spot is covered by the hands in the main photo. The dauphine hands have developed a lighter patina which matches the case well.

The dial, case, and movement are signed by JLC. The crown is correctly unsigned for this era and shows some wear. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Brand Landing