The first purchase this year
Trully unexpected and spontanious purchase this year - JLC Futurematic in a black dial, probably US ref 281 (a European version was named E501 with a different dial), caliber 497, made in 1954 (70 years old!).
I might not eat proper food this month anymore 😆 but could not miss again an opportunity to buy this iconic JLC watch.
It was introduced in 1953 (according to some sources has appeared on the US market 1-2 years earlier) and was called "first fully automatic wristwatch".
It was designed to be so efficient that it did not have a winding crown! It was also so complex that it is rumored that Jaeger-LeCoultre almost bancrupted at that time as the cost of production was higher than sale prices. Futurematic was discontinued in 1959.
Main features of Futurematic:
A power reserve indicator so the wearer can always know how much power is left in the watch. The little hand moves from the gold to the black and then red as the power winds down indicating the number of hours of power left in the mainspring.
Extremely efficient movement designed to wind with the slightest movement of the wrist, eliminating the need for a winding crown.
Ratchet arm and bumper hook mechanism that prevents someone from ever over winding the watch, one of the most common weak spots in vintage automatic calibers.
When the watch is not being worn the power will not run all the way down. Then, when the Futurematic is placed back on the wrist it will begin running again.
The rotor is suspended both above and below the movement. This keeps the rotor from moving out of its place, something that greatly troubles other vintage automatic movements.
Because of the way the movement works, the Futurematic does not have a slipping clutch on the mainspring like all other automatics, eliminating another possible cause for error.
Futurematic is one the watches representing JLC, next to Reverso, Memovox and some others.
I am so happy to get it in my hands tomorrow.
Collector by nature. New into watches. Passionate about and focusing on Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Incredible score.
What an awesme find.
That’s great! Congrats man 👍🏻 And an interesting read too about this iconic watch. Love those lugs as well! Great find.
That’s great! Congrats man 👍🏻 And an interesting read too about this iconic watch. Love those lugs as well! Great find.
Thanks! Really hope that all is good with the watch as they are difficult to service and expensive to fix.
No crown, how is the time set. Photo opportunity. 😊 That is an impressive watch. 😍
Very cool 😎
That is Nice!!
No crown, how is the time set. Photo opportunity. 😊 That is an impressive watch. 😍
Answered it myself
Answered it myself
Indeed, you are right. The crown is on the back and it sets only time, no winding.
Can confirm with my Futurematic photo:
Congratulations! Definitely a great catch as vintage watches are like unique pieces, never looking like each others! Definitely worth to eat pastas this month 😂🙌
Beautifully handsome!!
So goodlooking. Now that's a watch.
Great lugs. Great watch. Who needs proper food.
I'm incapable🙄😱 of adding a link while using my mobile. This may interest you.
Congratulations 🍾 That’s a beauty
Wow! Congrats!!