JLC Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph Valjoux 88

BLembkey · 2013-09-07T10:01:59Z

Investigate a mysterious JLC Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph with a Valjoux 88 movement. Community experts debate its authenticity after JLC Switzerland refused service.

BLembkey

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

13 replies8268 views6 photos

BLembkey seeks community assistance in identifying a Jaeger-LeCoultre Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph he recently acquired. Despite initial authentication by JLC Japan and JLC Fort Worth, JLC Switzerland refused service due to its Valjoux 88 movement, prompting questions about its authenticity and lack of serial numbers.

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I recently acquired this JLC Triple Date Moonphase Chronograph with 18K screwback case with Valjoux 88 movement. The individual I purchased the watch from had it authenticated at JLC Japan. I sent the watch to JLC in Ft. Worth, they felt it was authentic. They sent it on to JLC in Switzerland and they would not service the watch because it has a Valjoux 88 movement. They didn't give any further explanation. The watch has no serial number or model number on the case. I have noticed recently that Heuer made a special collectors edition " Golden Hours" that from what I can tell have no serial number or model number stamped on the watch. I am wondering if anyone can help me identify this watch? Thanks in advance for your help. Bob Lembkey

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch is identified as a 'frankenwatch' – a Tourneau TDM chronograph with a repainted dial, incoherent blued leaf hands, and a re-engraved chronograph bridge, not an authentic JLC.
A vintage JLC book co-author confirms that such a JLC model never existed, citing no catalog entries or price list mentions, and pointing out 'funny faking errors' in the watch.
The original poster, BLembkey, questions why such a 'fake' would be produced if complicated watches were not highly sought after at the time, suggesting it might have been a prototype or an artisan's creation without significant financial reward.
The fact that JLC Japan and JLC Texas initially believed the watch to be authentic highlights inconsistencies in authentication processes and raises concerns about the reliability of JLC paperwork.
A key lesson for collectors is to 'buy the seller, not the watch' and to conduct thorough due diligence, including researching the watch's existence and retail price, before making a purchase.
The watch in question, or similar 'Frankenwatches,' has been extensively discussed on other forums, with even a notorious vendor participating while feigning ignorance of their provenance.

The Discussion

amanico

Sep 7, 2013

JLC Le Sentier didn't accept to service it, because it is not authentic.

I feel sorry for you. JLC never made this kind of Watch. Some pop up, here and there, but they are not authentic. JLC refuse to service watches which are not authentic. best, nicolas

Ilja

Sep 8, 2013

Not even a faked watch...

it's an artisian interpretation of something that never existed! Produced and thrown into market in fraudulent intention. Plain and simple. Most funny thing is JLC Japan and JLC Texas believed it to be authentic. Muahahaha. Reminds me why JLC paperwork ain't worth the paper it is printed on, but at least the Swiss guys learned a little bit. ;) I.

amanico

Sep 8, 2013

What I meant. A watch which never existed. A creation. [nt]

Baron - Mr Red

Sep 10, 2013

a very sad story....

.....but again proves teh worth of buying the seller

akitaishi

Sep 10, 2013

I hope .....

you did not pay a hefty sum for a fake watch. And yet I marvel how u were convinced to buy a watch without 1) researching on it's existence 2) retail price (as price reference) By trying to identify the year and release edition(s), one would more or less be informed about the watch. It's sad but there is no condemnation, just a very expensive lesson.

BLembkey

Sep 12, 2013

JLC Moonphase

I have to admit that I am not an expert in JLC watches, My expertise is in Rolex and Patek watches. I was attracted to this watch because of its uncommon beauty. I have to agree, there are no similar references to find on the internet, no books to consult with similar examples. All of you who responded seem to think this watch is probably a fake, but then if it is (which I am not 100% convinced) then why was it produced at all? This watch was most likely produced during a time when complicated w