Hi guys! Thoughts?
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Jaeger-ultrarare-Valjoux-72C-triple-calendar-chronograph-18-kt-gold-no-LeCoultre/124545746039?hash=item1cff814477:g:siMAAOSwPT5ctd59&fbclid=IwAR3dZo2HUnBuIv-fhwuKhky7guRhWhekWDkpJkIdXUo3h0FDUja4Ot008kEPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Putting aside the price, it's an interesting watch. The dial appears to be embossed, which is not a high-end feature, but it's in very good condition, as is the case. The movement appears to be from the 40s. My gut is telling me that it's a put-together piece, but overall, it would be an interesting thing to take a chance on at 1/10 the price just to try to learn more about it.

 

Can't comment on the dial but the movement is in quite good condition (note the screw heads). Also, the hallmarks on the outside of the case-back look pretty crisp, which is indicative of little use.

 

I am suspicious of the dial. Should have open "6" and "9"s I believe, on the date track, for example?

 

Me too

 

cheap!

 

is that paint on the side of those applied markers?

 

As I mentioned, I believe the dial is embossed.

 

This chronograph was part of a "infamous" auction sale that took place in Paris nearly 3 years ago. The sale ended with so few lots effectively sold that the official results were never published...

This chronograph was lot #39. The exact same photos used for the ebay sale were already used for the catalog, which can be downloaded here :

http://catalogue.gazette-drouot.com/pdf/124/90211/catacornette20180517bd.pdf

 

I have heard about Arnaud Cornette de St Cyr who made the sale back then , don't know if the watches were truely authentified, and be thankful that it didn't went through Antiquorum with that damn crook of Romain Réa otherwise prices would have gone through the roof. Prices of the valjoux 72chronographs have exploded over 15 years and this not the average joe's chronograph movement. You want something with a valjoux 72, then be ready to spend big bucks. Also when buying a vintage valjoux 72 bear in mind that spare parts and people who know how to overhaul them to the perfection are not numerous.

 

Does JLC offer an extracts service? Dial looks off to me.

 

Yes JLC offers an extract service but you have to pay for it.

 

Were Jaeger watches still produced post the Jager-LeCoultre merger in 1937?

 

Mine is from circa 1941-42

 

Nice one!!!

Anyone an idea what the M on the movement designates?

 

"M" stands for "métal". Marking movements with a letter that denoted case materials of métal (M), argent (A), or (O), or platine (P) was standard practice for Swiss watches there were exported to France during the period.

 

I think there was conjecture in the past that it signified a “Military” movement, but it seems that it just stands for “Metal”.

Edit: beaten too it !

 

Thanks gentleman!

 

What went wrong?

 

The low estimates written in the catalog corresponded to the reserve prices of the seller. Moreover, in addition to the hammer price, there was +30% of fees for the potential buyer.
At the end, the asked prices were considered too high for watches of average condition and the sale was a complete flop. The auctioneer was forced to look contented while playing a difficult role as nobody was bidding... Watch after watch, he was hammering in the air. But the show had to go on.