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bardamu
·Dear all,
decided to put up for sale another golden watch from my collection, a quite unusual Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic from mid 50s.
I got this watch locally one year ago from a cash for gold jeweler who had collected it from the original owner's family.
It is well preserved and completely original and in working condition.
The history of the Futurematics, produced between 1951 and 1958, has its roots in the finest watchmaking of the last century.
It was the world's first watch without a winding crown in the traditional position, instead having a flat crown on the back that is used solely for setting the time, which still gives its 36mm case a very balanced and charming design to this day. By pushing that crown inward, the movement switches into setting mode, allowing the hands to be adjusted while a seconds hacking mechanism stops the watch. The case shows a sign of an awkward opening on the back and was probably polished in the past but has retained its harmonious shapes featuring long 18mm lugs that complete its harmony on the wrist.
The Futurematic models themselves are quite difficult to find due to the limited production numbers. Even more difficult is sourcing a European-market example in 18kt gold like this one, since a large portion of the production was directed to the American market under the LeCoultre name and with 10kt gold-filled cases.
The automatic 497/1 movement is working well, including the power reserve and hacking function, and it is fairly accurate. The watch was sold to me by the jeweler as having been serviced and, wearing it on the wrist, I have no reason to believe otherwise. However, since I do not have any receipt for the service, I prefer to declare it as “last service unknown.”
The original dial, perfectly legible, features two subdials at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, like a chronograph—one for the power reserve indication and the other for the running seconds. A light, even patina acquired over time has given it a very charming creamy hue. All the hands are original and in good shape, as well as the crystal.
At 12 o’clock, the presence of the inscription “Fabriqué en Suisse” certifies its original allocation to the French market.
I propose the watch on the handmade, very good quality gray alligator custom-made strap shown in some pictures and a generic gold plated buckle
It is not easy to assign a price to an unusual watch like this. However, considering the condition, the overall good functionality, and the fully 18kt yellow gold case, I believe that €3.900 shipped and insured everywhere within EU is a fair and well-balanced asking price.
Overseas transactions are welcome with shipping costs and modality to be decided with buyer.
Payment via bank wire strongly preferred, a face to face in Rome is obviously possible.
I have some good feedbacks so far on OF at the following links both as buyer and seller, but plenty of references from other international fora and ebay can be provided if needed:
https://omegaforums.net/search/14473580/?q=bardamu&o=date&c[title_only]=1
https://omegaforums.net/search/21805395/?q=alessandro&o=date&c[title_only]=1
I have tried to provide photos taken in different lighting and environmental conditions so you can get an idea of the overall genuine originality and condition of this watch.
But, before pics, thanks a lot OF for the opportunity and thanks you all for looking.
decided to put up for sale another golden watch from my collection, a quite unusual Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic from mid 50s.
I got this watch locally one year ago from a cash for gold jeweler who had collected it from the original owner's family.
It is well preserved and completely original and in working condition.
The history of the Futurematics, produced between 1951 and 1958, has its roots in the finest watchmaking of the last century.
It was the world's first watch without a winding crown in the traditional position, instead having a flat crown on the back that is used solely for setting the time, which still gives its 36mm case a very balanced and charming design to this day. By pushing that crown inward, the movement switches into setting mode, allowing the hands to be adjusted while a seconds hacking mechanism stops the watch. The case shows a sign of an awkward opening on the back and was probably polished in the past but has retained its harmonious shapes featuring long 18mm lugs that complete its harmony on the wrist.
The Futurematic models themselves are quite difficult to find due to the limited production numbers. Even more difficult is sourcing a European-market example in 18kt gold like this one, since a large portion of the production was directed to the American market under the LeCoultre name and with 10kt gold-filled cases.
The automatic 497/1 movement is working well, including the power reserve and hacking function, and it is fairly accurate. The watch was sold to me by the jeweler as having been serviced and, wearing it on the wrist, I have no reason to believe otherwise. However, since I do not have any receipt for the service, I prefer to declare it as “last service unknown.”
The original dial, perfectly legible, features two subdials at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, like a chronograph—one for the power reserve indication and the other for the running seconds. A light, even patina acquired over time has given it a very charming creamy hue. All the hands are original and in good shape, as well as the crystal.
At 12 o’clock, the presence of the inscription “Fabriqué en Suisse” certifies its original allocation to the French market.
I propose the watch on the handmade, very good quality gray alligator custom-made strap shown in some pictures and a generic gold plated buckle
It is not easy to assign a price to an unusual watch like this. However, considering the condition, the overall good functionality, and the fully 18kt yellow gold case, I believe that €3.900 shipped and insured everywhere within EU is a fair and well-balanced asking price.
Overseas transactions are welcome with shipping costs and modality to be decided with buyer.
Payment via bank wire strongly preferred, a face to face in Rome is obviously possible.
I have some good feedbacks so far on OF at the following links both as buyer and seller, but plenty of references from other international fora and ebay can be provided if needed:
https://omegaforums.net/search/14473580/?q=bardamu&o=date&c[title_only]=1
https://omegaforums.net/search/21805395/?q=alessandro&o=date&c[title_only]=1
I have tried to provide photos taken in different lighting and environmental conditions so you can get an idea of the overall genuine originality and condition of this watch.
But, before pics, thanks a lot OF for the opportunity and thanks you all for looking.
