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JLC Chronograph

Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2020 6:07 pm
by daniel5050
Hi all,

I came across the watch below and I had two questions:

1) There aren't a ton of examples that I can find of these JLC triple register chronographs with horned lugs. This looks very similar to the example on page 79 of Zaf's book, but the sub-dials look different (they resemble the chrono on page 78). Does anyone know if this particular dial configuration was used on this reference, or is this likely a restored dial? Also, the hands don't look quite right vs. the example in Zaf's book.

2) The movement referenced is a Valjoux 71, but I thought JLC's used Valjoux 72s in these chronographs from the mid-fifties. Does anyone know if Valjoux 71s were used as well?

Thank you!

Re: JLC Chronograph

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 5:51 pm
by zafbasha
Hi, it's definitely a Val 72. I can't tell 100% on the dial, but I am leaning towards it being restored form photos. Should have SWISS at 6:00 on this model.

Re: JLC Chronograph

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 6:30 pm
by daniel5050
Thank you! Really appreciate the response.

It's a quirk of the picture, but there actually is a swiss at 6 o'clock, just impossible to see the way the watch is photographed. Was there anything else that jumped out at you as far as pointing towards a redial?

Much appreciated!

Daniel

Re: JLC Chronograph

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 9:56 am
by zafbasha
The LeCoultre itself seems malformed and listing down to the left, but that may just be the photo. Print on these should be sharp and black in tone, not a milky gray. You really need to have it in hand to be sure.

Re: JLC Chronograph

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 10:50 am
by daniel5050
Thanks Zaf,

You're right - the LeCoultre itself isn't quite right, the "L" in particular looks off under a loupe. Back to the dealer, who's being very reasonable. Disappointing as it's an amazing watch.

If on the off-chance you have a source for an unrestored version of this reference I'm definitely an interested buyer. The case shape and lugs are beautiful.

And thank you for the insight!

Best,
Daniel

Re: JLC Chronograph

Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 11:56 am
by zafbasha
Glad to be of help. Good to see you had it in had, that's really the final say.