Jaeger-LeCoultre
One of the greatest inventions, in 1847 when Antonie LeCoultre makes a revolutionary system: the crown winding system. It put away the need for a key to wind the watch and set it to time. A single lever crown serves these two purposes. This invention is still until today for almost all mechanical watches comprise this type of system. In 1903, LeCoultre answered French watchmaker, Edmond Jaeger’s industry-wide challenge to produce his slim-line movement designs. The result was the thinnest watch movement in the world and the start of a collaboration that would culminate in the birth of Jaeger-LeCoultre 30 years later.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
MEISTER RIO
A VERY RARE and unusual 1943 double signed Jaeger-LeCoultre by Meister Rio De Janeiro, an offshoot from Meister Jewelers Zurich.
“Meister, Zürich is very well known and still working watch re-seller in Banhofstrasse, Zürich, Swizerland. Meister, Zürich started operating already in 1881. It became one of those rare official watch dealers who were able to request to have its name on watch dial, side by side with original brand. This kind of watches are called double signed.
Other well known resellers who got their name on dial were Tiffany & Co, Bucherer, Abercrombie & Fitch, Beyer, Gobbi, Astrua-Torino, Linz, Hausmann & Co ja Walser Wald & Cie.”
This striking piece of history includes a very legible dial with a nice patina, original hands, and we believe, an original crystal. The case, due to scarcity of steel during WW2, was made of plated brass. While there is some brassing evident, the case itself has maintained it’s integrity and is completely safe to wear. The caseback itself is stainless steel, and features a very uncommon ¼ turn locking system. Mated to the case is a nice tan leather strap with white stitching and a stainless buckle.
Inside of the case, you will find the heart and soul of this magnificent piece, the Jaeger-LeCoultre 463A movement ticking away at 18,000 a/h. As noted in the photographs, this movement is both incredibly clean, and a beautiful example of Jaeger-Lecoultre’s excellence in craftsmanship. The serial number is 267701, dating it to approximately 1943 based on Jaeger-Lecoultre’s old serial number database.
This piece would make a wonderful example in any collector of vintage high end Swiss timepieces, or Military watches.
Movement:
Jaeger-LeCoultre
463A
267701
Case Back Signed:
B
164502
Fond Acier
Inoxidable
Swiss
Case Measures:
33.5mm w/out crown
35.6mm with crown
41.7mm lug to lug.
9.5mm thick
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.
It will be carefully packed.
Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!
WA-1899
