Lecoultre Futurmatic Automatic Watch With Power Reserve, 1950s Style, 14kt Gold / Leather

A Lecoultre Futurmatic watch from the 1950s in 14k yellow gold (585/°°). Historically, this watch is equipped with a movement produced by the prestigious Swiss manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre. However, this renowned company, seeking to penetrate the American market, was penalized by substantial import duties. To circumvent these taxes, Jaeger-LeCoultre conceived the idea of shipping not complete, finished watches to the United States, but only their movements and dials. The watch cases themselves were produced locally in the USA, which explains their 14k gold (585/°°), as is the case with this particular watch. The dial, however, only mentions “LeCoultre,” even though the movement itself is indeed produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre in Switzerland! The movement powering this watch is extremely sought after: a self-winding mechanical movement, it features a complication that allows the wearer to assess the remaining power reserve, displayed on the main dial within a subdial on the left. In the photos, the watch has not been worn and therefore does not have a power reserve indicator; the red window, a gauge indicating the imminent depletion of the movement's power reserve, is visible. The subdial on the right is the small seconds subdial, since the sweep seconds hand in the 1950s was not yet typically mounted as a central seconds hand. The resulting dial aesthetic is particularly beautiful and interesting, and its luminous gold color complements the case. This watch features striking, graphic, and tapered lugs, a hallmark of its 1950s era. Another recurring characteristic of Jaeger-LeCoultre's high-end movements is the crown, invisible when worn. It is located not on the side of the case, but underneath, making it exceptionally flat. An engraved inscription in English (“SLIDE - DON'T LIFT”) indicates how to operate it: this crown is not lifted, as with a traditional crown, but rather slid, which is much more pleasant. This allows the watch to be set, while winding is achieved solely through the movement of the arm. Finally, the case back bears a subtle engraving of its owner's name, Walter Martin, but this delicate engraving is barely perceptible. This watch, originally designed for men, is now available in a completely unisex format, which certainly explains the purple color of the leather strap it's currently mounted on. This strap can, of course, be replaced with any type of leather to change its aesthetics and intended use. The watch is signed, as previously mentioned. In perfect condition and recently serviced, its proper functioning is guaranteed by us for one year (except in case of shock or immersion). Model: Futurmatic. Specificity: for the American market. Complication: power reserve indicator with specific dial and window. Year: 1950. Movement: automatic mechanical. Lever escapement. Dial: original, with hour markers. Strap: leather (new condition), spring bars. Buckle: tang buckle, gold-tone metal, replaced. Crystal: plexiglass (original, polished), good condition. Payment can be made entirely remotely via the website. We remain at your disposal for any information regarding other payment methods. Are you a professional? We invite you to contact us directly at the store! Our reference: ES5802