| Author | Message | ||
     Goldnrod New member Username: Goldnrod Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2013 Rating: N/A |
I just purchased an older JLC Memovox late 60s, early 70s I believe - photo below. Can anyone please tell me the actual year of production and any other info about this watch? The serial # is 8156488 / 2182, the case is yellow gold-filled with a stainless steel back, model 3079. Cal 916. Thanks.  | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 5890 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
The dial on this watch has been refinished. If the movement is stamped LeCoultre it is someone trying to dress up a USA watch as a European one. Something not right with your serial number. We're not up to 8 Million, even today. | ||
| Goldnrod New member Username: Goldnrod Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2013 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Zaf. I hope you don't mind some follow-up questions. I have not actually opened up this watch yet but was provided with these numbers by the dealer. (1) Any change the 8 million number is the case #? (2) Also, as far as I know the movement is not stamped 'LeCoultre', unless you are saying that all cal 916s are 'LeCoultre'? (3) Finally, are you saying the dial has been refinished only because of the 'Jaeger LeCoultre' signature, or other reason? Thanks so much for the clarifications before I go back to the dealer. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 5891 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Jaeger-LeCoultre was the name used in Europe at that time, but they did not use "gold filled" and steel backs, so I suspect your watch is actually a USA model in which case the movement would be stamped just "LeCoultre". From the photos, to my eye the dial appears refinished anyway. The serial number of the movement would begin with a "1" or maximum a "2". Not an "9". | ||
| Goldnrod New member Username: Goldnrod Post Number: 3 Registered: 05-2013 Rating: N/A |
Thanks again, Zaf. This is much appreciated. Hmmm... not a good sign. I will need to open the case (as it reads on caseback: "use 1300 wrench") and verify the movement serial number and signature with my own eyes! One final question: Since I have never seen this exact dial on any other JLC and no reference point regardless of whether this has been doctored - in your expert opinion what would you estimate the value of this to be 'as is' assuming watch has been fully serviced? Thanks for a v useful forum. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 5892 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I can't answer that question until you figure out if it is a USA watch or not. Gold filled USA watches with original dials routinely sell in the $1000-1400 range. The "1300" wrench indicates that the case is one piece, and movement would need to come out through the crystal which I am sure your seller is reluctant to do as it's not that simple. | ||
| Goldnrod New member Username: Goldnrod Post Number: 4 Registered: 05-2013 Rating: N/A |
This confirms - he was reluctant and indicated it was not a simple twist off or pop off. With your info in hand, I'll do some more investigation with the dealer and may come back to you. Thanks again, Zak! Really helpful. | ||
| Goldnrod New member Username: Goldnrod Post Number: 5 Registered: 05-2013 Rating: N/A |
OK, Movement 916 serial # is 2109600. What year would this be? Also, movement stamped only 'Le Coultre' and was cased in the US. Case gold plated stainless steel. Is there any chance at all this could be original pairing with the dial signed 'Jaeger-LeCoultre' and movement 'LeCoultre'? Thanks. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 5900 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
No chance on the pairing. In fact the dial looks refinished to me but I'd need a crisp close up to be sure. Dates to approximately 1970/1. |