| Author | Message | ||
     Mickey D Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
I inherited two LeCoultre watches one is a LeCoultre Memodate Calendar Alarm Watch. The face is pearl with gold in place of numbers on the dial. My Dad didn't tell me anything about the history of this watch. The other watch is a Gold LeCoultre watch that my Dad said was purchased sometime in the late 1930's or 40's. The number on the back of the watch is 309749. I believe that it has it's original gold band. Both of these watches are in working order. My Dad had them both cleaned about 10 years ago. Could someone give me an estimate on the value of each? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 1554 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
We'd photos, in screen resolution and an indication of what the cases are made of, thanks. | ||
| Fernando Araujo de Oliveira New member Username: Folive64 Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2006 Rating: N/A |
My father gave me a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watch and I'd like to gather some information about it. It has an 18k gold case and bracelet. The diameter of the case is 33mm and the watch has an height of 9mm.The number on the back is 831542 A. I guess he bought it in the 60's, when he traveled to Europe. The watch is working perfectly, though so many years after purchase. No delays, when compared to a Tag Heuer of mine. I'd like to have an estimate of price so I can decide how much it's worth spending with restoration. The glass is scratched and the calendar can't be smoothly adjusted as it should be.   | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 1561 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Is it a bumper automatic? i.e. does it bump inside when you wear it? | ||
| Fernando Araujo de Oliveira New member Username: Folive64 Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2006 Rating: N/A |
No, I never noticed anything, the watch works very silently. Maybe I don't know when a watch bumps, how can you feel the bump, is it noticeable? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 1562 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
It's probably from the claiber 881 family and is made of 18k. 1960s is right if that is the case. The watch itself in good condition is probably worth anywhere from $800 to $1200 and the bracelet adds another $300 to $600 depending on the weight. If it needs retoration, deduct those costs from that figure. | ||
| Fernando Araujo de Oliveira New member Username: Folive64 Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2006 Rating: N/A |
I took the watch shown in the pictures to an authorized Jaeger-LeCoultre dealer in Brazil. They told me they can't restore it since it is too old. I guess I should send it to Switzerland. However, as I have read in this forum, the costs could exceed US$1,000, and I was told the watch would be around US$ 1,800 worth. What I really wanted was to replace the glass (I was told it is a mix of glass and rubber), which is very scratched, polish the golden case and bracelet, and clean or lubricate the calendar, which is not working smoothly. Do you think I can find someone who could restore the watch for less than JLC personnel? It is more like a sentimental thing, the watch belonged to my Dad and he gave it to me last year. Thank you for any help. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 1715 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I can restore the watch if you'd like. | ||
| Fernando Araujo de Oliveira New member Username: Folive64 Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2006 Rating: N/A |
Dear Zaf, As you can see in the pictures, my JLC watch needs some restoration. I'd like to fix/replace the glass, polish the case and bracelet, clean/restore the dial, fix the bracelet (because it is damaging any clothing near it). Could you please give me some details of the possibilities? I mean, do you think you can fix the glass or are you going to replace it? In this case, can this devalue the price of the watch? My main intention is to have a more presentable watch, I don't think I will sell it in the near future. But I don't want to do anything that could "spoil" an antique, a vintage watch. Regarding the display, in my opinion, the minor stains on it look like mildew. Is it possible that the paint is affected so that you'd have to repaint it? Would it be ok? It seems to me that people value an original display even though not in perfect condition. Well, I'm a novice to vintage watches. In fact, my only reason to worry so much about this watch is because it belonged to my Dad and I know he wants me to keep the watch with me. I'd love to wear it, but not in the way it looks now. Sorry for taking your time, but I need some information before I decide to send you the watch. Thank you very much. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 1719 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
The glass, you'd replace, this has no impact on value. The dial is a lot trickier. The purist would 90% of the time perfer to leave it unrestored, unless there is VERY un even spotting or soilage. I'm not sure where you are condition wise. Generally, if it's presentable you leave it alone. The bracelet, I generally do not repair those, as it is more of a jewlery task, but I have a good goldsmith here too. Best, Zaf P.S. It's funny. I did two forum member's dad's watches last month. | ||
| Fernando Araujo de Oliveira New member Username: Folive64 Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2006 Rating: N/A |
Dear Zaf, Thank you for your comments. Could I send you an e-mail in private, so we could discuss how I could send you the watch and how much the service would cost? I know it is hard to have an estimate without seeing the watch, but just to have an idea. Thank you. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 1720 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Sure email is [email protected] |