| Author | Message | ||
     Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
My dad passed away last month and in going through his stuff I came across this JLC watch. I can remember him wearing this watch as a kid but have not seen it on him in probably 25 years. It is a gold watch with a number on the back, 322244 and the letter A stamped underneath the number. I think he got the watch while stationed in Europe during WWII. The face is a white pearl and the only letters on the face are Jaeger Le Coultre. It has no band. I wound it and it keeps perfect time. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Steve | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 582 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I'm sorry, hard to say what it is without a photo. It appears to be an 18k gold watch though. If you can get a picture up I can tell you waht it is. | ||
| Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, I can't send you a picture yet because I took it to a watch repair shop to have it cleaned. The price to have it cleaned was supposed to be $50 but I talked to them today and they said that because it was the kind of watch that it is and its age that the cost would be $750 just to clean. Is this possible? I don't know if I am willing to pay for this type of cleaning since the watch has been running perfectly. He also gave me the info from inside the case. Model # P450-4C Serial # 382658. Your guidance will be appreciated. Thanks Steve | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 623 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
$750 for a manual wind movement is totally over the top unless it's a complete factory restoration. I'd look elswhere. The P450-4C is the movement caliber and #382658 is the case number. | ||
| Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, They said that the reason it would cost so much was that it was a deep cleaning taking it completely apart and it would require some kind of daily tuning for 4 to 6 weeks. I am not sure that the watch is even worth $750, however it does have alot of sentimental value. Thanks Steve | ||
| Ilja Probst Moderator Username: Ilja Post Number: 67 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Hi Steve, this watchmaker is going to rob you blind! Try someone else, this guy is close to be criminal. You probably told them the story behind the watch and he spot a "famous" name on the dial... Bingo! - the normal price got the factor 3-4. Ilja | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 626 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Steve, where are you? I may be able to help you out... | ||
| Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 4 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
I think you are right Ilja. It may be that the watch is worth a little money and he thought we had the money to spend. My mother wants me to get it in good order to give to my dads first grandson for his birthday. My mom lost my dads retirement after his death so she only has his social security. | ||
| Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 5 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, I am located in Dallas Texas. If you know of someone in this area that I could afford that would be great. Since the watch works fine without doing anything to it do you think I should have anybody work on it? I was mainly going to have it cleaned for a preventative measure. I would like to see this watch stay in good working order. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 628 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Steve, I can probably have it cleaned for you here, in Washington, DC. If it needs no parts cost will be less than $200. On the other hand, if it is running realy well, you might as well leave it alone unless you plan on using it extensively. Zaf | ||
| Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 6 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, Thanks that sounds more reasonable. I only had posession of the watch for 2 days before I let a friend of mine talk me into taking it to a watchmaker that he had used. During that time it worked fine. I am going to pick it up this week and have the band replaced so I can wear it for awhile to see if there is any problems with it. When my mom gives it to my nephew I think it will mainly become a keepsake rather than something he will wear often. I was a little apprehensive about someone taking it apart to begin with. Like my dad (and every other dad) used to say "if it ain't broke don't fix it." | ||
| Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 7 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Zaf, Here is a picture of my dad's watch. It is not real clear but it is the best my camera will take up close. Do you know anything about this watch? Thanks Steve  | ||
| Steve Parkey New member Username: Parkey1 Post Number: 8 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
A little clearer bu not as close.  |