Re-writing LeCoultre Chronometre History

Apr 15, 2017,07:58 AM
 

It took me ages, to be specific 17 years, of hunting and observing the vintage JLC market to end up with my final catch.
The most mysterious and rare as hens teeth LeCoultre product, the caliber 476/2 bumper automatic Chronometre for the north American market.
Nico covered the watch before, but with a different dial layout, indeed for celebration of 125 years LeCoultre.

The case serial dates to 1956/57 which is logical as we know advertisings from 1957 without mentioning the 125th anniversary but movement serial indicates 1949 production [sic!].

Only the little 'golden, handwriten' book of produced movements can give a hint what really happend, but from the collected facts we can say that (J)LC produced a real Chronometer certified watch right before the magical year of 1958.

It would be nice to see other collectors sharing their caliber 476 'Master Mariner' Chronometers to have more data available.









I.

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What a find!

 
 By: Larry Seiden : April 15th, 2017-08:53
What a find! Big time congrats for. Your patience and perseverance. Now that you\'ve succeeded in your hunt, what\'s the next prize? (Us crazy collectors always have a next prize in mind. We are never satiated!)

Thanks Larry...

 
 By: Ilja : April 24th, 2017-13:00
...no next watch, this particular watch is my keystone. Finished with collecting once and for all. Might sounds weird but there is nothing left on my list. Just doing a bit of research for Zaf's JLC book. I.

Excellent, Ilja! Bravo.

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2017-16:49
The one I reviewed... The ad... Which, I think, features the very same watch than yours. Best, Nicolas ...