I believe that the expandable band is original to the watch and is quite unusual to find. The case is a snap back (not a screwback). I would recommend that only a watchmaker open up the back. If you do it wrong, you could damage the case, the movement or both. Let a professional handle it. gatorcpa

Here is an example of a two-tone dial LeCoultre in a even fancier 18K yellow gold case:



https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage ... tre.35989/

Take care,
gatorcpa

Thank you for letting us know about that Watchonista article. I had not seen it before. Here is the link: https://www.watchonista.com/articles/history/unlikely-watch-collector-uncovering-james-dean-lecoultre Some points about James Dean watch: 1. It has been called a "Powermatic" in some web publica...

I think Zaf is correct. I've never heard of an automatic JLC Memovox with an original "parking" dial. But I suppose the insert would fit. Not sure if this picture is detailed enough to show what Zaf meant by the marks being closer to the edge of the dial: https://omegaforums.net/attachments/34fdfe09...

Not all US-marked cases were actually made in the U.S. for example the steel Futurematic cases were made in Switzerland. This is true. However, those cases are marked “Swiss” on the inside, not the outside. https://cdn.watchcharts.com/listings/632c9614-0e27-46f3-b696-34f123515089 https://cdn.watchc...

This looks to be a US market model with "LeCoultre" on the dial, rather than Jaeger-LeCoultre. Generally, these watch cases were made in the US and are gold-filled or 14K gold. There are some US made cases with 18K gold, but you don't see them very often. The movement likely will also be engraved "L...

The "JL" piece is not straight. That is a cause for concern, although it could mean nothing more than it fell off and was re-soldered on. However, while the buckle may be an original JLC piece, it is highly unlikely that it would be original to that watch. The "JL" logo started to be used in the lat...

No. The Futurematic wasn't marketed in Europe until 1953. It was common practice for movements to be produced and sit in inventory for a time.

It is possible that the watch was originally sold around 1954.
gatorcpa

Here is a page from an original JLC catalog that shows the case reference.

This looks like the Ref. 2723 in steel. I did some research on the watch because I was interested in acquiring it when it was listed on eBay.

Hope you got it!
gatorcpa

Looks all correct to me.

We do not see too many of these in the US.
gatorcpa