| Author | Message | ||
     RonC Rating: N/A |
Hi, I have a late '50s Master Mariner with a bumper (auto) movement. Gold-filled. Runs well. Any idea whether LeCoultre made the movement and how the watch compares with other LeCoultres of the era? Thanks, Ron | ||
| Zaf Rating: N/A |
Ron: Yes, LeCoultre would have made the movement. Probably something derived from the P812 caliber. If you can tell me which caliber it is, I can maybe give you more info esp if you give me the serial #. | ||
| sabri Rating: N/A |
Some watches bear the brand Le Coultre other the full "Jaeger Le Coultre". Is there any significance in the difference ? Was there a time after the merger of the two companies that their watches began being branded exclusively Jaeger Le Coultre ? Grateful for any info. | ||
| Bruce Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
Help....not sure if anyone is still in this forum but I'm stumped on this. I inherited a leCoultre Master Mariner SS, automatic, many..many years ago. The thing still works!! Date and everything. Very accurate. I want to restore to, as close, within reason, to original. It's of sentimental value. The only 2 places I can seem to find in the US for authorized repairs are in NY or CA. Is there anyone nearer to FL,US?? Now...ready....if anyone can give me an idea of worth for serial #6796, & I'm sure it's way before the merger,...I'd appreciate. Crystal needs to be replaced & I'll never find the correct band but would like brand-name, at the least. I'm over 50 yrs.....and it was Grandpa's watch, over 30 yrs. ago, when I got it. Thanks Plz use my e-mail addy for response.... [email protected] | ||
| Bruce Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
OOppss....maybe that's the last date that Gramps had it serviced & not the serial. It's engraved on the side of the back of the case. I've never had it apart so not sure what this number means or where the movement or serial would be. I don't really want to get into it and mess something up. Dial, hands, & date are perfect. No numbers shown, just raised squares for the 1, 6, 9 position and date readout at the 3. The other positions are slim rectangular raised marks. Dial has a very slight, silver-gold color. Not sure if I should wear this or put it away. Still can't beleive it works after all this time...pun! | ||
| GregB Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
Bruce, It shouldn't surprise you that your watch still works. LeCoultre made excellent timepieces and watches like yours are still worn by collectors everyday. I think you're perhaps you're a bit confused about the history of the brand when you mention that "its way before the merger". The "LeCoultre" name was simply the trademark used by Jaeger-LeCoultre to market a line of watches in North America at the same time that it marketed watches under the "Jaeger-LeCoultre" name elsewhere throughout the world. The 2 different names are not because of a merger, but rather because of marketing reasons and import duty avoidance strategies. The number you have referenced in your post is the case number and generally can not be used to date your watch. The movement serial number, engraved inside on the movement is the number that would be needed. From your description, I can tell you that your watch probably dates from the late 1950s or early 1960s. The earliest LeCoultre ads that I have seen for any Master Mariner model are from about 1955, but I don't think that the models with date function came out for another year or so. I may be wrong. The movement serial number would allow a much better estimate of production date. Regarding restoration, get your wallet ready... factory restorations and repairs aren't cheap (or fast). You can drop $1,000 easy, depending on what needs to be done to the watch. If you're just wanting the case finishes restored, a simple service and a new crystal and strap, you may be better off looking for a competent private JLC restoration/repair shop. FL is busting at the seams with watch collectors (and watch repair shops, to support them) and Zaf & crew can probably tip you off to someone competent locally. Regards, Greg | ||
| Bruce Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
Greg, Thanks for the info.....I inherited this after my Grandfather died but never knew ANYTHING about watches. As a teen-ager...I thought Timex was the way to go and Rolex was something you bought from a guy in a trenchcoat. Now that I'm much older..I was just wondering about the history. Amazing. I know this won't be cheap to re-new. I did find a place listed in Ft Lauderdale but not sure if they are 'authorized'. Hey ZAF..know of a good place around Bradenton, Sarasota, FL? To Jim....tried to respond to your e-mail...wouldn't go thru. Bad addy. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 1280 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I don't kn ow wnayone in FLA, but I can handle JLC servicing myself if you'd like, contact me privately. [email protected] Thanks, Zaf | ||
| Ron T. Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
Greg and Zaf, You guys sound like just what I need for info. I have been unable to find out much of anything on a watch given to me a couple of years ago. Nice to know why it is just LeCoultre as you explained above. The watch is a LeColtre Automatic Master Mariner with 12 small diamonds in the number positions on the face. Case is 14K yellow gold. I do not know the serial number, but shortly after I got it a jewler opened it and said it was LeCoultre. It is is very good condition. What if anything can you tell me about it as to original price, age, value without knowing the serial number. Thanks for your help! Ron | ||
| Ilja Probst Moderator Username: Ilja Post Number: 139 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Hi Ron, we need at least a picture of your watch, to get an idea. You can use the "upload" feature for posting a scan. Ilja |