This is a 1944 WWII era Jaeger-LeCoultre 159. This watch has the chrome plated case used during the war to save money as stainless steel was very hard to come by at the time due to war shortages. Quite a few were used by pilots on both sides of the conflict. Original dial, hands, etc. The watch is 34mm. The movement is the reliable P478 in-house JLC caliber, and spare parts are still available for it should you need them the next time the watch needs servicing. The watch was recently fully SERVICED, however, and ready to wear. So you’re all set. Remember, there was a war on folks, people didn’t have money to spend on frivolities like stainless steel! The 159 was marketed to allied and (let’s face it) Axis pilots, and it made a good flight companion. I’d like to think my example was hocked for nylons by a Luftwaffe officer in a POW camp in Canada. We’ll never know sadly. The 159 was popular enough to remain in the catalog until about 1950 give or take a year or two. Asking $699 Shipped within the US. I have an H. Moser & Cie. for sale, I’d consider a trade for these two as well. References: My references http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-great-seller-1051160.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-trusted-seller-1087329.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-recommended-1148306.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-fantastic-buyer-1485946.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/ni...honest-guy-would-speedbird_500-a-1682522.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/great-transaction-speedbird_500-a-1709570.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-good-seller-1761002.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/great-transaction-speedbird_500-a-2935226.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/great-purchase-speedbird_500-a-3154074.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/smooth-transaction-speedbird_500-a-3163674.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-awesome-seller-4003538.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-outstanding-member-4252378.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/sp...reat-seller-thank-you-thanks-wus-4419250.html http://forums.watchuseek.com/f63/speedbird_500-aka-joe-gets-my-vote-4528201.html
The RAF had a training base out of harm’s way in Winnipeg during the war -it’s where my father learned to fly - even though he was a navigator. (I guess being able to fly a plane came in useful if your pilot(s) became ‘disabled’ whilst out on a sortie) So it could equally have been a token of affection or keepsake for some fine Canadian maiden from one of our ‘boys in blue’. GLWYS.