OnTheDash
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LeCoultre Quartermaster / Inside the Case-Backs
I had promised to do some research regarding the markings inside the case-backs of the Quartermasters in my collection, so here is the report.
I looked at three watches, as follows:
- Movement serial number 1305127: black dial with the usual "club" shaped (fat) hands -- inside case-back marked only "LeCoultre"
- Movement serial number 1305269: white dial model that we have been discussing; club hands -- inside case-back marked only "LeCoultre" [seems identical to the earlier sample]
- Movement serial number 1328084: black dial with {questionable / likely replaced) dauphine hands -- inside case-back has matte finish and is marked "LeCoultre" and "114".
The three case-backs are shown in "chronological order" in the photo below (earlier numbers to the left); the three dials are shown in chronological order below (earlier ones on top). I can also confirm that the case geometry of the three watches is identical; they all have the notch where the crown is supposed to sit.
For me, this is "case closed" -- literally. I am confident that my new watch with the white dial and script is authentic, with the lume on the minute hand having been replaced and the crown having been replaced.
Interestingly, the LeCoultre "Mercury 7" watch worn by John Glenn (serial 1328310) has the matte finish inside the case-back and is marked "LeCoultre" and "112". I have confirmed with the owner of another of these Mercury 7 watches that his case-back is identical -- matte finish and LeCoultre 112.
So what do the experts say?
Thanks,
Jeff
LeCoultre Quartermaster / Inside the Case-Backs
I had promised to do some research regarding the markings inside the case-backs of the Quartermasters in my collection, so here is the report. I looked at three watches, as follows: Movement serial number 1305127: black dial with the usual "club" shaped (...
