Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dress wristwatch

Jaeger-LeCoultre 18k Gold Wristwatch, circa 1948

Partially verified

According to Dorotheum, this Jaeger-LeCoultre manual-wind wristwatch dates to circa 1948. The watch features an 18k (750) gold case measuring approximately 36 mm in diameter, documented with case number 400919A. The silver-toned dial displays printed Arabic numerals at the quarter hours, applied dart hour indices, an inner track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Dorotheum records the internal mechanism as a gold-plated and decorated lever movement, calibre P449/3C, numbered 468822, fitted with a Breguet balance spring. The piece is accompanied by an 18k gold pin buckle.

Dial and case view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatch, Dorotheum lot 10078666
Dial and case view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatch, Dorotheum lot 10078666 — Dorotheum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorotheum.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dress wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
10078666
Source-reported date
um 1948
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
400919A

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Exterior

Dorotheum catalogs this watch as an 18k gold wristwatch dated approximately to 1948 ('Armbanduhr, um 1948'). The housing is documented as 'Gehäuse: Gold 750' with case number 400919A and a stated diameter of approximately 36 mm ('Durchmesser ca. 36 mm'). It is accompanied by an 18k gold pin buckle ('Dornschließe Gold 750').

Direct visual observation confirms the watch is fitted to a textured brown leather strap. Internal case back markings and interior hallmarks are neither reproduced in the lot text nor visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gehäuse: Gold 750, Nummer 400919A, Durchmesser ca. 36 mm”
  • “Dornschließe Gold 750”
  • “Armbanduhr, um 1948”
  • “Fitted to a textured brown leather strap”

Dial Configuration and Condition

The auction catalog describes the dial as silver-toned with Arabic numerals and applied wedge hour markers ('Silberfärbig, arabische Ziffern, aufgelegte Stundenkeile'). Visual observation notes printed Arabic numerals at the quarter positions (3, 6, 9, 12), applied dart markers, an outer chapter/minute ring, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.

Condition reporting from Dorotheum explicitly notes that the dial is partially spotted ('Zifferblatt tlw. fleckig'). Visible observations also record gold-toned dauphine hands, with the subsidiary dial arbor either lacking a visible seconds hand or appearing incomplete at the pivot.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silberfärbig, arabische Ziffern, aufgelegte Stundenkeile”
  • “Zifferblatt tlw. fleckig”
  • “Printed Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 with applied wedge/dart hour markers”
  • “Outer circular chapter/minute ring and sunken sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock”

Movement Details Recorded by Auctioneer

The movement is not pictured in the auction documentation. Dorotheum specialist Thomas Schmolek records the mechanism as a manual-wind, gold-plated and decorated lever movement ('Werk: Handaufzug, vergoldetes und dekoriertes Ankerwerk').

The listing further identifies the calibre as P449/3C, with movement number 468822, fitted with a Breguet hairspring ('Breguetspirale'). Mechanical function, rate accuracy, and service history are not reported in the source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Werk: Handaufzug, vergoldetes und dekoriertes Ankerwerk, Nummer 468822, Kaliber P449/3C, Breguetspirale”
  • “Experte: Thomas Schmolek, Mst.”

Open research questions

  • Is the sub-seconds hand missing or broken off at the subdial arbor?
  • What stamps, hallmarks, or reference designations appear on the inside of case back 400919A?
  • Does the movement bridge carry Jaeger-LeCoultre signature engraving matching movement serial 468822?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre 18k Gold Wristwatch, circa 1948
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialGold 750“Gehäuse: Gold 750”
Case Number400919A“Nummer 400919A”
Diameterca. 36 mm“Durchmesser ca. 36 mm”
Movement CalibreP449/3C“Kaliber P449/3C”
Movement Number468822“Nummer 468822”
BuckleDornschließe Gold 750“Dornschließe Gold 750”
Dial Condition NotePartially spotted“Zifferblatt tlw. fleckig”
Balance Spring TypeBreguet hairspring“Breguetspirale”
Auction ResultEUR 2,340“Erzielter Preis: EUR 2.340”

Visible details

  • Light cream or silver-toned dial with subtle spotting and age wear
  • Printed Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 with applied wedge/dart hour markers
  • Outer circular chapter/minute ring and sunken sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Gold-toned dauphine hands with central second hand absent from the subsidiary dial arbor in view or subdial hand present
  • Fitted to a textured brown leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case markings are not depicted in the single supplied photograph
  • Dorotheum notes the dial is partially spotted ('Zifferblatt tlw. fleckig')
  • Subsidiary seconds hand appears to be missing or broken off at the pivot on the subdial

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Jaeger-LeCoultre - Uhren und Herrenaccessoires 30.04.2026 - Erzielter Preis: EUR 2.340 - Dorotheum

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 90f0d1f249

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other dress wristwatch records