Forums Latest Members

Looking for info on an JLC 6B from the 1940s

  1. Laharrier Feb 26, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
    Howdy gang;

    Hope this type of post is okay here guys. I picked this beauty up this past weekend with the intent to sell it, and just for my own curiosity I am seeking some info on it. This appears to be a 6B or some variant thereof from the early 40's but doesnt have military markings. Is there a way to identify it more closely? It has a TON of service markings in the caseback, assuming from it being issued to military personal and regularly serviced as a result. Perhaps this is all delusions of grandeur on my part, but Ive only really seen this reference in military ilk and not civilian. Any experts out there know better than I? The case is all steel and has a cal 450, I purchased it from a watchmaker in the USA. I realize some of their later models were sometimes issued as Mil pieces but usually civilian, but my humble research makes it appear as though this watch was specifically ordered by the MOD for use by air crew and pilots during WWII.

    Thanks for any info you may be able to offer!! :)

    Heres pics:
     
    fullsizeoutput_67f.jpeg fullsizeoutput_681.jpeg DSC_0007 5.JPG DSC_0009 6.JPG DSC_0010 6.JPG DSC_0013 4.JPG DSC_0015 4.JPG DSC_0017 4.JPG
    Edited Feb 26, 2018
  2. LarryG not KennyG, not OG, just LarryG Feb 26, 2018

    Posts
    990
    Likes
    3,835
    Pics?
     
    Laharrier likes this.
  3. Laharrier Feb 26, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
    Pics should be showing up now!
     
  4. Laharrier Feb 27, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
    Anyone? :)
     
  5. COYI Feb 27, 2018

    Posts
    496
    Likes
    723
    The VXN engraving on the movement indicates that it was exported to the USA so that rules out it being a British military issued watch.

    Also the dial and hands are different from the 6b/159 which didn't have lume.
     
    Edited Feb 27, 2018
    Laharrier likes this.
  6. Laharrier Feb 27, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
    Awesome! Thanks so much for the info. So this was an American export. Any clue on how to determine a date/reference of this one? Sorry for the silly questions; Im not very knowledgable on JLC.
     
  7. COYI Feb 27, 2018

    Posts
    496
    Likes
    723
    It's more difficult to date a LeCoultre as I don't think the company has ever published a serial number/date database like Omega have done. I would date your watch to around 1942/3
     
    Laharrier likes this.
  8. Laharrier Feb 28, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
    Thank you sir!!
     
    COYI likes this.
  9. COYI Feb 28, 2018

    Posts
    496
    Likes
    723
    You're welcome. Enjoy the watch - it's got lots of character!
    Here's mine:

    IMG_20180222_145752447.jpg
     
    Edited Mar 1, 2018
    Laharrier likes this.
  10. ulackfocus Feb 28, 2018

    Posts
    25,983
    Likes
    26,968
    OP: It's a LeCoultre, not a Jaeger LeCoultre.

    LeCoultres are US market watches. If gold, the cases were made by a contractor in the USA, then shipped to NY to Longines. They had a LeCoultre division (sometimes even employing the same sales reps for several brands under that umbrella of Longines, Wittnauer, LeCoultre, JLC, and VC) which assembled the watch with movements imported to America (hence the VXN). Stainless steel could be an all Swiss made case as yours is, or an American made case. The story is much more detailed, but that's the crux of it.

    Nice watch!

    EDIT: that serial number is from the early 40's IIRC - I'll check tonight if I remember.
     
    Edited Mar 1, 2018
    Laharrier likes this.
  11. Laharrier Mar 1, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
  12. Laharrier Mar 1, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
    Wow!! Outstanding information!!! Is there anywhere I might read more about this? That is absolutely awesome. Additionally, could you recommend anyone to work on this beauty? The balance wheel has some damage and needs to be replaced. Im sure getting parts are a bit tricky.

    Thanks again!
     
  13. ulackfocus Mar 1, 2018

    Posts
    25,983
    Likes
    26,968
    A few of us have told the details in bits and pieces. It's scattered amongst various threads. A couple to start:

    https://omegaforums.net/threads/longines-and-wittnauer-whats-the-connection.7190/

    https://omegaforums.net/threads/assistance-with-identifying-vintage-longines.39497/#post-459190

    America had a higher import tax on any calibers with more than 17 jewels with chronometer adjustments, so most of the imported movements had 17 jewels and were marked UNADJUSTED. For example, the Zenith El Primero was a 31 jewel chronograph, but the movements sent here (usually bound for Movado) were only 17 jewels.
     
    Laharrier likes this.
  14. Laharrier Mar 1, 2018

    Posts
    120
    Likes
    173
    Wonderful! Thank you!