zaf_basha
8
USA market watches
Importation of watches into the United States, in the 1960s and even today is complicated. The value of the watch must be broken down by the value of the case, the value of the movement and value of the strap. The movements will get a different duty depending on the number of jewels, whether the watch is automatic or manual and if the movement is Adjusted or Unadjusted. There are other tweaks like country of origin, in the calculation of the duty rate but those are the big ones.
As such, all imported USA bound movements will show: 1) Jewel Count 2) Country of Origin 3) Adjusted/Unadjusted. Given these requirements - still in place today - it's almost IMPOSSIBLE for a LeCoultre watch not to have a movement stamped with these 3 things as the movement would be quasi un-importable into the U.S..
So if you see a supposed USA "LeCoultre" with a movement not showing jewel count, Unadjusted and Swiss, it's 99% fake. The vast majority of these fakes have "LeCoultre" written on the chronograph sweep second bridge on a curve. Below is an example of movement dressed up to look like a LeCoultre movement. These all started flooding the German market about 10-15 years ago and are now making their way into the mainstream. Totally un-importable for the reasons I state above.
I'm sorry to report, but more "LeCoultre" fakes coing out of known Auction houses
Namely, Antiquorum, Geneva November 8, lots, 409 and 410. Do your homework folks, please! The first one: http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/lecoultre-co-lot-286-409?page=11 and the second: http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/lecoultre-co-lot-286-41...
Well Spotted, Zaf
Hi Zaf, Thanks for the heads-up. While I think it runs afoul of the new "no link" policy on the PuristsPro, I'm hoping the mods will make an exception for these given your long and dedicated service to the JLC community. I've always enjoyed your work. Bes...
Antiquorum is well known for being absolutly clueless...
The lot 637 is described as from 1960 while it is a 80's product made from 1950's overhang parts. They even don't care about the much later reference number. I.
USA market watches
Importation of watches into the United States, in the 1960s and even today is complicated. The value of the watch must be broken down by the value of the case, the value of the movement and value of the strap. The movements will get a different duty depen...
Thanks for
this very useful information. Have been looking for some of these us imports many thanks
Alas, something V&C collectors have known for years
Thanks for this reminder Zaf. There have been some notorious fakes and frankens put out by big name auction houses, including those with fake provenance. Really makes you wonder how they justify the 40% skimmed off in seller and buyer premiums :-( All I c...
Thanks Zaf for the heads-up
Your sharp eye and community spirit are both much appreciated
And a fake E859 Polaris on the bay right now
Item 151471469665 currently Has been spotted / sold (or not?) several times over the pas 4 years on the bay. Comes from the same workshop that made a similar looking fake Supercompressor PolerouterSub So here it comes again. Seller seems to be specialised...
Professionally refinished. LOL! An obvious fake, indeed.
Well, obvious not for everybody.... Best, and thanks, Clavi. Nicolas
Thank you
For the heads up. The vintage watch market is a dangerous minefield sometimes. E
Thanks for this valuable information....
And I will think twice to go deeper into vintage watch world for sure:-) Ronald
Hi Nicolas...
Thanks for your kind comment:-) By the way, I have sent my watch to the boutique last week... Regards, Ronald