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3 Vintage Watches Inherited - looking for information

  1. Eric Popper Jun 15, 2022

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    I just inherited these 3 watches from my father's estate. I really like the Jaeger LeCoultre with the inner movement but I don't know what it is reading.

    Looking for information on what models they are as Chrono 24 comes close but the matches have differences.

    Thanks for any information.

    Eric
     
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  2. allwoundup Jun 15, 2022

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    Hi Eric,

    The Jaeger LeCoultre with the "inner movement" and two crowns is a "Memovox" -- i.e., it is an alarm watch. Earlier models were known as "Wrist Alarm". The triangle on the inner disc is used to set the desired time for the alarm to go off. One crown winds and sets the watch's primary movement. The second crown is used to set the alarm time and wind the alarm mechanism. Hope this is helpful.
     
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  3. jantjewgm Jun 15, 2022

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    These are some incredible watches Eric!
     
    wagudc likes this.
  4. Mark020 not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer Jun 15, 2022

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    Better pic of the Patek would help. Quick hint: hold the watch steady and move the camera until sharp
     
  5. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Jun 15, 2022

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    Very Nice …
     
  6. calalum Jun 15, 2022

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    All of those are keepers. Keep any work to a minimum and enjoy them.
     
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  7. unxsr Jun 15, 2022

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    Other members will chime in with details about the watches but I just want to say these are amazing watches.
     
  8. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept Jun 15, 2022

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    Sorry for your loss.
    Those are amazing mementos to remember your father by.

    Not all watches have model names.
    The Patek Philippe will have a reference number I suspect but you’d need to get it opened to see the engravings inside to figure it out.

    Just looking at the designs, the Patek Philippe with salmon dial looks to be from the late 1940s, the very pure and plain Jaeger Le Coultre, also beautiful appears to be from the early 1950s, and the Memovox also from the 1950s.

    No matter what you do with them you must absolutely ensure that you let no one touch them, open them or service them except a professional watchmaker that comes recommended affer doing serious due diligence.
    Jewelers are not professional watch makers, they can do irreversible damage to a watch by scratching the case back in ways that cannot be repaired- and they also can ship watches to the wrong watchmaker.
    Whatever you do, you must proceed with extreme caution considering the value, both sentimental and monetary.
     
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  9. Eric Popper Jun 15, 2022

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    Thanks for the information and advice. I appreciate it.

    Will proceed slowly and cautiously and post updates if there are any.

    New photos of Patek attached.

    Eric
     
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  10. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Jun 15, 2022

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    If you advise your general location, OF members may steer you to a good watchmaker. Movement only, perhaps some gentle scratch removal on the crystals. NOTHING Else. No dial work, no case polishing.
     
  11. Eric Popper Jun 16, 2022

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    I'm in the Chicago area. Any suggestions on shops to inspect and repair them (properly)?

    Eric
     
  12. stonestone Jun 16, 2022

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    Sorry for your loss. They are all lovely watches, but in case it’s not obvious that Patek in particular is incredible and easily the most valuable of the bunch.
     
  13. Eric Popper Jun 16, 2022

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    Thanks for the information.

    I am excited about being the custodian of these works of art!

    Eric
     
  14. Keith88lx Jun 16, 2022

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    Sorry for your loss and beautiful watches.

    I don’t have any experience but a member on here stated MJ Watch Service in Glenview is where he goes. Unsure which part of Chicago you are in. I do plan on having MJ service my vintage Omegas eventually.
     
  15. Syrte MWR Tech Support Dept Jun 16, 2022

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  16. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jun 16, 2022

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    Great watches. The Patek is really lovely, with its two-tone, pink dial. I am no expert but I think that it might be a reference 534. Below is a similar example that apparently sold at Sotheby's in 2007. Further below is an image from a catalog. As others have advised, go slowly and make sure that no one touches any of the dials (e.g. cleaning) or polishes any of the cases.

    upload_2022-6-16_21-12-31.png
    https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/patek-philippe/patek-vintage/ref-patek-philippe-534/lpi

    [​IMG]
    https://m.facebook.com/ONbeHALF/pho...78442185245/?type=3&_se_imp=0E27FriUrPc1HOb7M
     
  17. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jun 16, 2022

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    Sorry for your loss mate but your dad had exceptional taste in watches. Those are an amazing set of dress pieces, he really knew his stuff.
     
  18. Ron_W Jun 19, 2022

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    Beautiful watches and i hope you can now take care of them for a long time.
     
  19. krogerfoot Jun 19, 2022

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  20. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Jun 19, 2022

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    PM sent.