| Author | Message | ||
     Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
Hi everyone, I'm new both to the world of timepiece collecting and to this forum, and I'm quite excited for both. I recently purchased a LeCoultre Futurematic and would like help identifying the year of the model. I know these were made in the 1950's (starting in '53), but I have not been unable to find a match for my watch online to even start to narrow it down a bit. I have also not seen another two-tone version like mine, with the dark color on the inside of the dial - most of the others I've seen are a more subtle two-tone (such as grey or tan with white). Serial number is 971740 and movement is Cal 497. 10K gold filled case, 35mm case diameter, lug width 18mm, completely overhauled watch but all original parts (so I'm hoping the jeweler didn't just make a style decision with the dark color on the dial). Any help is appreciated both on the model year and the rarity of this style for the Futurematic. Thanks in advance!    | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
I wanted to add that the watch dial has been reprinted using the original template, according to the seller, as well as new band and crystal, but otherwise original parts. I'm worrying a bit about the fact that I can't find a single example of another Futurematic that looks like my watch. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 6173 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
You have not seen another, as there is no such original dial configuration, i.e. a black bulls eye in the middle. Also the seconds hand is incorrect. The serial # indicates 1953-54. | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
Thanks. I figured something was wrong. I paid $1150 for this. I actually liked the odd look of it, kind of thought it was very 50's/trying to look futuristic, but did not do enough research before buying it. Did I vastly overpay for a frankenwatch? I can't even find examples of this watch with those types of numbers on the dial. I still like the watch (it's in the mail, have not received it yet), but I don't want to wear something if I've been duped and it's a hodgepodge of parts, despite the seller assuring me that it's "all original". | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
And is this otherwise a genuine LeCoultre, or do you think the whole thing is a fake? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 6174 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Other than the dial and the seconds bit the rest is genuine. I've never seen that dial (all applied numerals) before on a US watch. This doesn't mean it's not possible, just haven't seen it. I'd need a shot if the dial outside the case to see if it's real. | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
Do you mean the dial with the crystal off? Not quite sure what you mean by that but if I can do it I'll take more pics once the watch arrives. Thanks so much for your input up to this point. | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
And as a follow up, what do these types of changes to the original do to the value of the watch? I now feel that I over paid and will likely go back to the seller and either return it or keep it and request a partial refund. I'm not as concerned with the watch as a collextor's item (it was already reprinted), but also don't think I should have paid full price ($1150) for what I got when I was lied to. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 6175 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Shouldn't all of this research occurred before the bid? Just sayin'. I don't think you were lied to if he states the dial was refinished but you paid around what a nice all original example should cost. | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
As a novice collector I did research on the prices but in my na�vet� I assumed that the coloring was just a rare example, and I rushed the purchase. Basically a mix of not knowing exactly what to look for and just excitement to grab it at a good price... The good news is it was an eBay purchase, so I can return it for a full refund if needed. Ugh. | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
Lesson learned. Thanks you again for taking the time to respond, it's much appreciated.  | ||
| Gatorcpa Junior Member Username: Gatorcpa Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2006 Rating: N/A |
I think that if you really wanted to, you could force the seller to take it back through eBay's protection program. "Original" means as originally made, not reprinted or repainted. That being said, I would be curious to see if the numerals are original to that dial. I've never seen that type before. It would take a lot of effort to modify the dial that way. Although I have to admit, it's a quality job. The "bullseye" pattern gives it away as a redial. Fully original dials and handsets turn up all the time on eBay for these watches, but they are usually not cheap. There are many collectors (and dealers) looking to refurbish Futurematics, so demand is relatively high for these parts. Hope this helps, gatorcpa | ||
| Grubet New member Username: Grubet Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
I'm conflicted over whether to keep it because before I knew it was not an original design, I actually liked the odd look of It, or send it back because if he was dishonest about the dial, that could be the case on what's inside... | ||
| Jacw001 New member Username: Jacw001 Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2014 Rating: N/A |
Hi, I am new to the vintage world and this forum too. I can understand your feeling, if you really do like the look and now you've been informed that it is not the origninal look. So it is really up to you if you really do like it as it is, forget about the resale value as it is actually quite unique. Or if you want something truly original. Just a thought |