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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Art deco rectangular dress watch

LeCoultre Art Deco 10k Gold-Filled Presentation Wristwatch

Partially verified

This rectangular LeCoultre dress wristwatch dates to circa 1945 according to the source and features a gold-filled case with curved, soldered loop-style lugs. Produced under the LeCoultre brand name for the American market, the watch is powered by a manual-wind 17-jewel caliber 438/4cw mechanical movement. The light-toned dial exhibits Dauphine hands, an Arabic numeral at 12 o'clock, faceted arrowhead hour markers, and a rectangular subsidiary seconds register above 6 o'clock. The seller reports period presentation engraving on the caseback commemorating service from 1920 to 1945.

Wrist view of the rectangular LeCoultre dress watch showing the dial, hands, and looped lugs
Wrist view of the rectangular LeCoultre dress watch showing the dial, hands, and looped lugs — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Art deco rectangular dress watch
Maker / attribution
LeCoultre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws4151
Source-reported date
c. 1945
Country
Switzerland

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 Form and External Features

The watch features a rectangular gold-filled case characterized by elongated, curved loop-style soldered lugs and a fluted winding crown. The seller's technical specifications report dimensions of 38.5 mm in lug height, an 18 mm lug width, and a width listed as '25.5mm-20.5mm', fitted with a plexiglass crystal.

The listing notes the piece as a presentation watch featuring 'period engraving to the caseback that hints at its original owner and story'. However, the rear case is not shown in the available imagery, leaving the specific text and appearance unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lug Height 38.5mm”
  • “Width 25.5mm-20.5mm”
  • “Lug width 18mm”
  • “Crystal Plexiglass”
  • “period engraving to the caseback that hints at its original owner and story”
  • “Rectangular gold-tone case featuring curved loop soldered lugs and a fluted winding crown.”

Dial Configuration and Discrepancies

Direct visual inspection shows an off-white or light cream patinated dial signed 'LECOULTRE' below the 12 o'clock position. The dial furniture includes Dauphine-style hands, an applied Arabic numeral at 12, faceted arrowhead hour markers, an outer minute track, and a rectangular subsidiary seconds subdial positioned above 6 o'clock.

A clear clerical discrepancy exists in the vendor's specification table, which lists 'Dial Black' and 'Bracelet Black Leather'. In contrast, photographic observation reveals a cream or off-white dial and shows the watch mounted on a textured reddish-brown leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cream or off-white patinated dial signed 'LECOULTRE' below 12 o'clock.”
  • “Dial furniture includes Dauphine-style hour and minute hands, an applied Arabic numeral '12', faceted arrowhead markers, and an outer minute track.”
  • “Watch is mounted on a textured reddish-brown leather strap.”
  • “Dial Black”
  • “Bracelet Black Leather”

Reported Movement and Dating

According to the seller's documentation, the watch is powered by a manual-wind, 17-jewel mechanical movement identified as calibre 438/4cw, with an estimated power reserve of 40 to 48 hours. The specific model reference is listed as unknown ('u/k').

Dating is reported approximately as 'c.1945' in the listing heading and 'c.1940s' in the specification table. Because internal movement and caseback markings are neither illustrated nor transcribed in the source, these mechanical details and mid-1940s dating remain based entirely on seller claims.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 438/4cw”
  • “Jewels 17j”
  • “Winding Manual”
  • “Power Reserve 40-48 hours”
  • “Model Ref u/k”
  • “Date of Issue c.1940s”
  • “c.1945”

Open research questions

  • What is the exact transcribed wording and date recorded on the caseback presentation engraving?
  • Does the movement bridge bear the three-letter US import code 'VXN' standard for LeCoultre imports?
  • What manufacturer signatures or hallmarks are stamped on the interior of the caseback?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LeCoultre Art Deco 10k Gold-Filled Presentation Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Calibre438/4cw“Calibre 438/4cw”
Jewel Count17 jewels“Jewels 17j”
Case MaterialGold Filled“Case Gold Filled”
Lug Height38.5 mm“Lug Height 38.5mm”
Lug Width18 mm“Lug width 18mm”
Winding MechanismManual“Winding Manual”
Case Width25.5 mm to 20.5 mm“Width 25.5mm-20.5mm”
Reported Power Reserve40–48 hours“Power Reserve 40-48 hours”
Model ReferenceUnknown“Model Ref u/k”

Visible details

  • Rectangular gold-tone case featuring curved loop soldered lugs and a fluted winding crown.
  • Cream or off-white patinated dial signed 'LECOULTRE' below 12 o'clock.
  • Dial furniture includes Dauphine-style hour and minute hands, an applied Arabic numeral '12', faceted arrowhead markers, and an outer minute track.
  • Rectangular subsidiary seconds register positioned above the 6 o'clock mark.
  • Watch is mounted on a textured reddish-brown leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • The seller's specification table erroneously lists 'Dial Black' and 'Bracelet Black Leather', which conflicts with the cream dial and brown leather strap visible in the photograph.
  • The movement and caseback engraving are not depicted in the primary photograph; details regarding the caliber 438/4cw movement and presentation text rely on seller reporting.

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

Consulted source

Jaeger LeCoultre Tank - Art Deco Styling - 10k Gold Filled - Presentat – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4e84a2c4c9

Terms in this record

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