LeCoultre with Missing Lug Found at Garage Sale - Now What?

Duracuir1 · May 7, 2023

My first garage sale of 2023. While others looked at stuff outside and in the nice part of the garage, I went into this with my flashlight.

I ended up with my usual - leather, blades, tools and buckles that I can use to make belts.

The haul…

He wanted $40 but given the interesting LeCoultre, I gave him $120.

The LeCoultre…appears to be 33 to 35 mm or so. Stainless steel and a gold coloured bezel and crown. Ran when I moved the hand to a better position for pics.

What would you do with this watch? Did I underpay? Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Late entry: I checked EBay for a similar lugged case. I saw some, but they all had a seemingly working watch and a high asking price.

cristos71 · May 7, 2023

I think you should go back and search a bit more for the missing lug....shouldn't take long 😁

BLOW UP · May 7, 2023

Very nice, understated with a hint of flamboyance..
It shouldn't be too difficult for someone skilled to replicate the lug and re-plate as desired, the Art Deco Style tapering lug design makes them more vulnerable to this kind of thing happening; it's difficult to tell from the image, but it looks like one of the other lugs may have been soldered in the past. The lacquer is a bit tarnished around the seconds dial, this could potentially be carefully cleaned by a skilled professional, but I wouldn't suggest attempting this yourself unless you have loads of experience, but I don't think it's really necessary, as the patina and tarnish doesn't look too incongruous, and a service (probably much needed).
Others here may have very different opinions, and come up with some alternative valid options..
Hope this helps 😉

Aroxx · May 7, 2023

What’s the other watch? And is that an Accutron box? Dumpster diving is fun but I tend to fancy random “cool” things that I will never actually touch.

Dan S · May 7, 2023

If the watch appeals to you, Peter Wuischpard (watchcaserepair.com) can probably restore the lug reasonably well. But I think you should only bother if you really like the watch. If it's not your style, you might just want to sell it to someone who wants to take on the project, or needs the parts.

BTW, I suspect that the bezel is actually gold, so you might want to get a melt value on that to help you price the watch.

wagudc · May 7, 2023

Duracuir1
What would you do with this watch? Did I underpay? Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Late entry: I checked EBay for a similar lugged case. I saw some, but they all had a seemingly working watch and a high asking price.

I have not used him, but I have seen others here recommend:

https://www.watchcaserepair.com/lugs

May be a good option.

wagudc · May 7, 2023

@Dan S beat me to it.

BLOW UP · May 7, 2023

Aroxx
What’s the other watch? And is that an Accutron box? Dumpster diving is fun but I tend to fancy random “cool” things that I will never actually touch.

OCD?
😉

Duracuir1 · May 7, 2023

Aroxx
What’s the other watch? And is that an Accutron box? Dumpster diving is fun but I tend to fancy random “cool” things that I will never actually touch.

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful advice. That is an old beat up Accutron box. Perhaps a candidate for something like this…

And the other watch runs. Looks like it’s trying to sound like a Gruen. Here are more photos of the watch and box Alex.

Aroxx · May 7, 2023

That’s a nice haul indeed! 👍

Duracuir1 · May 7, 2023

Aroxx
That’s a nice haul indeed! 👍

I am always especially pleased when I find old brass buckles. I can make a belt in a fraction of the time I take to make a watch strap.

I’ve just returned from a road trip to New Brunswick and picked these up along the way. I need to clean them up.

These are big. Will fit a 1.5 or 1.75 inch wide belt.

Larry S · May 7, 2023

Good road trip: drop the watch off, visit the clock museum and RGM! Enjoy the lovely Lancaster region. Personally I’d love to see this cleaned up. Has potential.