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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Power reserve wristwatch

LeCoultre Power Reserve Wristwatch

Partially verified

This LeCoultre Power Reserve wristwatch, attributed to the 1950s, features a stainless steel case measuring 34 mm in diameter and 40 mm lug-to-lug. It is powered by a Swiss-made bumper-style automatic movement, specifically caliber 481, which contains 17 jewels and offers a 40-hour power reserve. A technical feature of this model is the power reserve display window located at the 12 o'clock position, which changes to red when energy is low. The dial is presented in a two-tone silver finish displaying natural patina and applied Arabic numerals. The watch is fitted with a modern calf leather strap with a faux crocodile texture. The timepiece is reported to function accurately, although its last service date is unknown and it is sold as-is without original boxes or paperwork. It is documented to show light wear consistent with age, including surface scratches on the steel casing.

LeCoultre Power Reserve wristwatch, circa 1950s, showing the two-tone dial with power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock.
LeCoultre Power Reserve wristwatch, circa 1950s, showing the two-tone dial with power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Power reserve wristwatch
Maker / attribution
LeCoultre
Reference
534386
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1950s
Source-reported place
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 and Dial Construction

The watch is housed in a polished stainless steel case with a stated diameter of 34 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 40 mm. The exterior shows evidence of vintage use in the form of minor surface scratches and a natural patina. The dial is executed in a two-tone silver colorway and has developed a warm, aged appearance over time, referred to in the source as tropic patina. It is protected by a plexiglass crystal consistent with mid-century design.

Arabic numerals serve as hour markers, complementing the overall aesthetic. The hands and indicators are described as original to the piece. A notable aperture is positioned at the 12 o'clock position to show the power reserve status, which is indicated by a color change to red when the mainspring requires winding.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت از جنس استیل ضد زنگ با پرداخت صیقلی ساخته شده”
  • “صفحه ساعت به صورت دو رنگ نقره‌ای طراحی شده و دارای پتینه گرم و طبیعی (Tropic patina) است”
  • “نمایشگر ذخیره انرژی (Power Reserve) در موقعیت ساعت ۱۲”
  • “کریستال استفاده شده از نوع پلکسی‌گلاس است”

Movement and Technical Specifications

Internally, the timepiece is equipped with a Swiss-made bumper automatic movement, identified as caliber 481. This movement utilizes a 17-jewel configuration to manage its timekeeping and complication functions. The mechanical assembly provides a 40-hour power reserve.

While the movement is reported by the auction description to have been monitored and to be currently providing accurate time, the source notes that the date of the last professional service is undocumented and the watch is sold in its current as-is state.

Evidence for this section
  • “یک موتور اتوماتیک با سیستم «بامپر» (Bumper) ساخت سوئیس است”
  • “این کالیبر ۴۸۱ دارای ۱۷ سنگ قیمتی بوده و از ذخیره انرژی ۴۰ ساعته بهره می‌برد”
  • “این ساعت توسط متخصصین بررسی و مانیتور شده است و در حال حاضر زمان را با دقت بسیار خوبی نشان می‌دهد”

Condition and Presentation

The watch is presented on a modern brown leather strap with a crocodile texture, selected to harmonize with the vintage styling of the piece. The package includes a travel storage case, though the listing confirms that no original manufacturer boxes or accompanying factory papers are included with the object.

The auction description reports the overall condition as excellent relative to the age of the piece. The presence of patina on both the dial and the steel casing is cited by the source as an indicator of the object's history. It is noted that the information provided is based on the source's cataloguing and does not constitute independent authentication.

Evidence for this section
  • “بند این ساعت یک نمونه جدید از چرم گوساله به رنگ قهوه‌ای کنیاکی با طرح پوست تمساح است”
  • “این ساعت به همراه یک کیف مسافرتی برای نگهداری عرضه می‌شود”
  • “وضعیت کلی ساعت با توجه به قدمت آن، عالی توصیف شده”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific production year be narrowed beyond the 1950s decade based on the serial number?
  • Has the dial undergone any refinishing, or is the patina entirely consistent with original ageing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LeCoultre Power Reserve Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLeCoultre“برند معتبر LeCoultre”
Caliber481“این کالیبر ۴۸۱”
Jewels17“دارای ۱۷ سنگ قیمتی”
Case materialStainless steel“جنس بدنه: استیل ضد زنگ”
Case diameter34 mm“قطر بدنه: ۳۴ میلی‌متر”
Country of originSwitzerland“ساخت سوئیس”
Reference534386“شماره رفرنس: 534386”
Power reserve40 hours“ذخیره انرژی ۴۰ ساعته”

Visible details

  • Power reserve indicator window at 12 o'clock position
  • Two-tone silver dial with visible patina
  • Applied Arabic numerals on dial
  • Bumper-style automatic winding system

Research qualifications

  • Exact service history is unknown
  • Original box and documentation are absent

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی LeCoultre Power Reserve استیل وینتیج، دهه ۱۹۵۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 643a36ba6d

Terms in this record

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