Jaeger-LeCoultre 6B/159 Authenticity Check

speedbird · 2017-11-23T23:13:13Z

Investigate a Jaeger-LeCoultre 6B/159 and its authenticity. Experts identify it as a civilian JLC E159 with fake military markings. See photos and discussion.

Speedbird shares a Jaeger-LeCoultre 6B/159, seeking community expertise on its originality and historical context. This post highlights the challenges and rewards of authenticating vintage military-style watches, inviting collectors to delve into the details of dial, hands, crown, and case markings.

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch is identified as a civilian JLC Reference E159 from 1945, with a P478 caliber, and the military 6B/159 inscription on the case and scratched broadarrow on the movement are deemed fake.
Another example of a JLC Ref 2982B from 1946, featuring a chromium-plated case and P478 movement, is provided for comparison, helping to illustrate authentic vintage JLC characteristics.
Despite the inauthentic military markings, the author is content with the $375 purchase, intending to keep and service the watch as a nice vintage JLC.
The author inquires whether to re-plate the chromium case or leave it in its original, aged condition, seeking advice on restoration versus preservation.
The consensus among collectors is generally against re-plating, with the author deciding to leave the case as is, acknowledging the watch's value isn't high enough to warrant the restoration.
The author expresses interest in finding a replacement dial for the E159, indicating a desire to restore the watch's aesthetic closer to its original civilian form.

The Discussion

amanico

Nov 24, 2017

The points you raised. The dial, probably mod refinished. The case, case back, and movement look correct. [nt]

speedbird

Nov 24, 2017

This is wonderful news! Thanks!! [nt]

Ilja

Nov 24, 2017

Seriously?

Thats a civil watch dating to 1945, case engraving is a plain fake and the scratched-in broadarrow on the movement really hurts! Whats the movement caliber? P478? Watch itself is a reference E159 but this has nothing to do with the military inscription 6b/159. Sorry for the indeed bad news.

speedbird

Nov 24, 2017

Thanks!

That’s okay, the folks over at MWR had serious doubts too, to put it lightly. I picked it up for $375 and I’m fine with that. I’m going to keep it, get it serviced. It’s a nice little watch and other than a dodgy inscription, it isn’t hurting anyone.

amanico

Nov 24, 2017

E 159 with a Chromium plated case? [nt]

speedbird

Nov 24, 2017

Dials

Do e159 dials come up for sale from time to time? I’m not bothered about the inscription but I would like to replace the dial eventually

Key Points from the Discussion

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