Why This Watch Matters The Master Mariner collection was introduced by LeCoultre in 1958 to celebrate the firm's 125th anniversary. It was advertised as a watch that was durable, waterproof, and stylish. The Full Story LeCoultre was founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre. In the early years, the company was known for making unfinished movements for top brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. In the early 20th century, LeCoultre teamed up with Edmond Jaeger, who supplied watches for Cartier. The two eventually decided to officially join forces, and in 1937, Jaeger-LeCoultre was formed. The company continued to use the LeCoultre name for watches destined for the United States market until the mid-1980s. Here, we have a circa-1960 LeCoultre watch that was originally built for the U.S. market. The watch is signed "S&W" on the caseback, indicating it was built by the U.S.-based casemaker Schwab & Wuischpard, who also made cases for companies such as Bulova, Hamilton, and even Patek Philippe. The movement is stamped with a "VXN" hallmark, indicating it was always intended for the U.S. market. This was the U.S. import mark from LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin, LeCoultre's partner company at the time. The inside of the caseback reads "Cased and Timed in USA by LeCoultre." This example has also retained its original LeCoultre-signed crown that reads "LeC" in script. This watch has an attractive overall vintage look, especially with the radial Arabic numerals going around the dial. The watch even has some faint radium burn marks, where the hour and minute hands would indicate a time of 1:40. This is a fairly common occurrence in vintage watches that utilize radium lume, which happens after the hands rest in the same position for a long period of time without moving. We think it adds an attractive extra bit of patina to the dial, enhancing the overall look of this watch. We decided to pair this LeCoultre Master Mariner with our Smooth Taupe Calfskin strap to add to the warm appearance of the aged dial. The Fine Print Maker: LeCoultre Model: Master Mariner Reference: 1200 Year: Early 1960s Case No: 006528Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 33.3mm diameter; 12mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, radium Caliber: Automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre K880 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Taupe Calfskin Lug Width: 18mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Master Mariner is in nice, honest condition. The case is unpolished and in good condition with light scratches. The engravings on the caseback are clearly visible. The dial has developed a light patina with some spotting throughout; there are signs of radium burn on the dial where the hands would indicate a time of 1:40. The hour markers and hands have developed some patina as well. The lume on the hands and dial are original and have all darkened. The watch has its original LeCoultre-signed crown; the case, dial, and movement are also all signed by the maker. The crystal has some light scratches.
Related
Related
Related
Related