JAEGER-LeCOULTRE, Futurematic
For condition report contact specialist
Case size: 37 mm
Material: steel
Movement: bumper automatic, caliber 497
Year: circa 1953
Crystal: plastic crystal
Bracelet: leather strap
Serial number: 1'049'084
Case number: 633'085
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, Bukowski’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement and please note that a service may be required, at buyer’s expense.
For detailed condition report, please contact specialist.
More information
In 1951, the Manufacture released the Futurematic, the world's first 100% automatic watch, the calibre 497, Calibre 497 debuted with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic and was much more advanced than the earlier JLC 476 and JLC 481. It features a larger balance for improved accuracy and hacking seconds. One unique feature is a lock that holds the swinging weight in place when the mainspring is fully wound. It also features a special 6 hour power reserve, allowing the watch to immediately function when it is put on, rather than requiring it to be wound first.
The Calibre 497 featured a power reserve indicator along with small seconds located at the unusual position of 3:00.