Jaeger-LeCoultre

Hello,

I am interested in buying an american Lecoultre watch.
Is there any difference between Jaeger le coultre vs LeCoultre in terms of quality and in terms of its value and collectability?. I do know the history behind the american labelling as "LeCoultre" in the 1950's. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

What watch are you considering?

It depends a lot of the watch, because in general terms, there is not a big difference between Lecoultre and Jaeger Lecoultre.

The jewels are maybe cheaper on the Lecoultre for some tax reasons, and avoid, IMO, the 10 or 14 Karat Gold versions.

Some models are rarer when they are signed Jaeger Lecoultre than Lecoultre: The Deep Sea Alarm is an example.

Some other models are equally tepting, like the Polaris, and the MM Deep Sea.

Hence my question: What watch are you considering?

Best,

Nicolas

Why do you not recommend 10K, 14K models (as opposed to SS or GP/GF models)?

Best,

Jean

There were also some 9 kts Gold Watches among the Vintage JLC Watches.

In general, I prefer the better 18 kts Gold watches.

Why?

Only because if we speak about gold, the more karats you have, the better it is, don't you think?



Gold plated is different, as you will see with time and use a bad evolution of the case, as the gold plated case will loose its color.

Best,

Nicolas

I am considering the futurematic. There is one on auction on a popular auction bay site.

Seems that the European version is rarer than the US Version.

Best,

Nicolas

the same about the jewels and the gold quality
I was skeptic but it could be true
Cheers

LeCoultre is the US range of JLC.
In the same modell, the swiss version has a higher value but the US was the biggest market, so there was a lot of nice watch JUST for this piece of market - whit a very high "collectros value"
The cases made in US, not swiss, and usally lower gold contest (goldfilled, or solid 14K)
Since 70's every JLC signed Jaeger-LeCoultre in everywhere in the world.

Cheers, Milan

Thanks for the info. I guessed as much in terms of value.

when i think it was mcCarthy tried to limit imports and encourage(force) people to buy american. JLC used the leCoultre name as Longines bought into Wittnauer and Breitling bought into Wakmann. i dont know what Omega did.

please correct me if i'm wrong

Graham