Jaeger-LeCoultre

1950s LeCoultre Automatic Powermatic Gold-Filled (Ref. 8986) 'Cal. 481'

$ 2,150

Antoine LeCoultre created the LeCoultre brand in 1833, originally creating movement blanks—or unfinished movements—for some of Switzerland's most prestigious watchmaking houses, including Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.

In 1937, LeCoultre merged with Jaeger to form Jaeger-LeCoultre and went on to become the brand we know and love today (though until the 1980s, Jaeger-LeCoultre reserved the name “Jaeger” only on their watches destined for the United States). The brand has crafted myriad iconic and timeless watches, but one of the more interesting pieces is the Powermatic. The Powermatic cal. 481 was the first wristwatch to offer a power reserve indicator, with 40 hours of power reserve when fully wound. This piece is a fantastic, clean example of this iconic watch, featuring a 10k gold-filled case and an amazing set of blued hands – and the power meter at 12 o'clock adds a little mystery to the watch for the uninitiated.

SPECS

Stock # JLCPM481
Brand LeCoultre
Style Powermatic
Model Cal. 481
Serial 54XXXXXX
Size Men's
Material 10K Gold Filled
Dial Brushed Silver
Millimeters 35
Strap 2pc Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The impressive 10k gold-filled case features beautifully ornate lugs that retain crisp finishing and minimal wear present throughout. The crown is believed to be an early replacement. The case back is in excellent condition with some subtle tool mark wear. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The satin gold dial is in excellent condition overall and shows gentle age and a subtle silver patina around the markers. The power meter sitting at 12 o'clock is white when the watch is fully wound, then switches to red as the movement gets low on power. The original gold sword hands and blued center seconds hand are in lovely condition with no notable age or oxidation present.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.