| Author | Message | ||
     Artbenis New member Username: Artbenis Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2012 Rating: N/A |
Would like help with dating. The case is not marked JLC nor does it have any serial number or maker's mark. It bears French 18k gold hallmarks (one shown on side view). Apparently JLC sold the movement to a jeweller who made the case? My watch repairer said it is a Caliber 496 movement (parts list shown) and that seems to match, since the Caliber 426 movement is smaller. Unfortunately I forgot to get the serial number. Any idea of date and value would be helpful.     | ||
| Artbenis New member Username: Artbenis Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2012 Rating: N/A |
Forgot to mention the 18 round diamonds around the bezel are 2.2 mm diameter. The two rectangular baguettes are 3.8 by 6.4 mm. The two larger round stones by the baguettes are 3.2 mm in diameter. I estimate the weight of the 20 round diamonds are about 1 ct. My guess is that each baguette may be 0.1 ct. The watch (including movement) weighs 33 gm. Gold is 18 k, or 750/1000 pure. | ||
| Artbenis New member Username: Artbenis Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2012 Rating: N/A |
I have now got the movement serial number: 791751. Hope that helps to date it. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 5778 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Honestly, I am not a jeweler, and a large amount of the value of this watch depends on the weight of the case and the value of the stones. The French hallmarks indicate it was made by JLC France if you do not see Swiss ones in addition to the French ones. Movement dates to the 1952, though it may have been case a few years later. Value is around scrap + $200-300, so guessing, around $1200-1300. This is a "watch collector" valuation, it may do better in a jewelry environment. | ||
| Artbenis New member Username: Artbenis Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2012 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Zaf. If JLC-France cased the watch would they not have put their name and serial number on the case? That is why -- lacking those-- I thought JLC must have sold the movement to an independent French jeweler who cased the watch? There are no Swiss hallmarks on the case and bracelet, only French. | ||
| Artbenis New member Username: Artbenis Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2012 Rating: N/A |
Hello Zaf A friend has pointed out that JLC backwind cases have two screw holes in the back. The screws fit into sockets on the movement. This caseback has no screw holes. Instead it has two rods attached to the the inside which fit into the sockets on the movement. Doe not this also indicate a private jeweler cased the watch and not JLC-France? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 5780 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
My suspicion is that it is JLC France. What does the inside of the case back say? | ||
| Artbenis New member Username: Artbenis Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2012 Rating: N/A |
There are no marks inside the case back except repairers scratch marks. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 5783 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
If there is no serial number at all, then maybe it's a custom piece. Impossible to tell with 100% certainty. I don't think it impacts value that much, since the gold is most of the value anyway. |