1950' Jaeger-leCoultre 'Oversized' 37mm Powermatic 'Réserve de Marche' - Ref. E 163
A large and rare Jaeger-leCoultre with power reserve.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
The Jaeger-leCoultre Powerwind / Powermatic came in several references, cases, sizes and dials, mostly for the US market, which can be distinguished by their smaller size and the LeCoultre signature on the dial. Here, we are proud to offer an European E 163 in a rare 'Oversized' 37 mm case. The case is in great sharp condition, unpolished, the dial has aquired with the time a beautiful even patina that gives to this timepiece an exclusive and unique touch.
Jaeger-leCoultre introduced their first “bumper” automatic movement - the Calibre 476 - in 1946. And the updated Calibre 481 followed just two years later. Now the interesting point is that the Cal481 wasn’t a mere upgrade, it introduced a completely new complication: the power-reserve indication.
Positioned at 12 o’clock a rotating disk displayed the remaining hours of power reserve and defined a new collection for Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Powermatic. Because an automatic watch winds infinitely this was the first time people could know about the remaining power left in the mainspring.
THE STORY
Not all firms in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger-leCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker". Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named only LeCoultre, the company provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished movements with which they completed their watches.
In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out Antoine LeCoultre's help in creating the wotld's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the manufacturing of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The team decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Ados travel clock, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.
THE DATA
- Maker: Jaeger-leCoultre
- Model: Powermatic 'Réserve de marche', 'Power reserve'
- Reference: E 163
- Case N°: 5733XX
- Year: 1950'
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 37x45x11mm
- Caliber: 481
- Bracelet/Strap: Havana leather
- Box/Papers: N/A
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This wristwatch is in overall very good untouched original condition. This is a great timepiece, stylish, refined and with a lot of personality. The design is timeless, a classical.
The watch comes with a new havana leather strap.
It has a nice presence on the wrist with it's 37mm case an can be worn daily and for more formal occasions.
