Jaeger LeCoultre Vintage 1960s E385, Dauphine Hands, K880 Automatic Per Geomatic
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:410144 | Lug Width: 18 mm |
| Movement: Mechanical (Automatic) | Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre |
| Style: Vintage | Gender: Unisex |
| Case Size: 34 mm | Model: E385 |
Offered with a modest reserve, my recently refurbished Jaeger LeCoultre E385.
See the appended for the original advert scanned from the 1960s. This houses the K880 automatic movement - which is the cousin of the vastly more expensive/famous k88XG movements in the Geomatic range from the same era.
Lug width is 18mm, measures 34mm across, 36mm including original (correct) JL signed winder, lug to lug about 42mm. Correctly signed internally, externally for a european model rat...her than the US import noted LeCoultre dialled variants, which seem to be far more common as Master Mariners.
Serviced recently (a couple of months ago) by a very well respected independent, who certainly knows his way around a vintage JLC; hence keeps fine time. Plexi crystal replaced at the time and overall given a fitting light polish.
There's a very light aging mark at the 4pm region, which doesn't detract from the overall charm.
As noted elsewhere on the K88x movements:
They were introduced in 1959 and were the first JLC movements to feature a centrally pivoted 360 degree rotor that wound in both directions. The K part of the calibre number was a reference to Kif Flektor, the form of shock protection mechanism used. (Incidentally, a development of this calibre, the 888, is still manufactured by Jaeger LeCoultre today which is an indication of how significant, and how brilliantly engineered, these K88x movements were.
One of the most obvious characteristics of the K880 is that, almost uniquely on a movement of this grade, it has no mechanism for fine adjustment. Astonishingly, the reason for this “omission” was that the K880 was manufactured as standard to such fine tolerances that it would achieve chronometer rated accuracy as a production norm, without the need for any further adjustment. The American publication “WatchTime” ran a test on it and the various other related Jaeger LeCoultre movements from the same era in its August 2003 edition, concluding that this mechanism “embodies superlative expertise that emphasises skilful, precise craftsmanship and surface beauty”. Further mention is made that in its very slightly revised form, this same movement type was officially certified as a chronometer and sold in tiny quantities as the “Chronometre Geomatic”, a model that commands a lofty price today on account of its scarcity.
Will come with pictured light brown strap (can add a hole/two comfortably - just let me know wrist size). Have a wide variety of other custom straps if that doesn't suit ..
Selling as raising funds for Something Else (as is always the way - something else horological calls..)
See the appended for the original advert scanned from the 1960s. This houses the K880 automatic movement - which is the cousin of the vastly more expensive/famous k88XG movements in the Geomatic range from the same era.
Lug width is 18mm, measures 34mm across, 36mm including original (correct) JL signed winder, lug to lug about 42mm. Correctly signed internally, externally for a european model rat...her than the US import noted LeCoultre dialled variants, which seem to be far more common as Master Mariners.
Serviced recently (a couple of months ago) by a very well respected independent, who certainly knows his way around a vintage JLC; hence keeps fine time. Plexi crystal replaced at the time and overall given a fitting light polish.
There's a very light aging mark at the 4pm region, which doesn't detract from the overall charm.
As noted elsewhere on the K88x movements:
They were introduced in 1959 and were the first JLC movements to feature a centrally pivoted 360 degree rotor that wound in both directions. The K part of the calibre number was a reference to Kif Flektor, the form of shock protection mechanism used. (Incidentally, a development of this calibre, the 888, is still manufactured by Jaeger LeCoultre today which is an indication of how significant, and how brilliantly engineered, these K88x movements were.
One of the most obvious characteristics of the K880 is that, almost uniquely on a movement of this grade, it has no mechanism for fine adjustment. Astonishingly, the reason for this “omission” was that the K880 was manufactured as standard to such fine tolerances that it would achieve chronometer rated accuracy as a production norm, without the need for any further adjustment. The American publication “WatchTime” ran a test on it and the various other related Jaeger LeCoultre movements from the same era in its August 2003 edition, concluding that this mechanism “embodies superlative expertise that emphasises skilful, precise craftsmanship and surface beauty”. Further mention is made that in its very slightly revised form, this same movement type was officially certified as a chronometer and sold in tiny quantities as the “Chronometre Geomatic”, a model that commands a lofty price today on account of its scarcity.
Will come with pictured light brown strap (can add a hole/two comfortably - just let me know wrist size). Have a wide variety of other custom straps if that doesn't suit ..
Selling as raising funds for Something Else (as is always the way - something else horological calls..)
