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LeCoultre Futurematic Power Reserve Dial, Gold Filled Case, circa 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

LeCoultre Futurematic Power Reserve Dial, Gold Filled Case, circa 1950s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
LeCoultre (maker)
Date
c. 1950s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
gold filled
Stock no.
vws3722cs
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3722cs)
Catalogue title (original)
LeCoultre Futurematic Power Reserve Dial - Gold Filled Case - c.1950s (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3722cs), this is a wristwatch by LeCoultre, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold filled. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Very Stylish Gold Plated LeCoultre Futurematic in Exceptional Preowned Condition with Power Reserve and Seconds Counters and Elegant Dauphine Hands, c.1950s The LeCoultre Futurematic, introduced in the early 1950s, epitomizes innovation in horology with its groundbreaking design and technical advancements. Billed as the first automatic watch devoid of a winding crown, the Futurematic was a product of Jaeger-LeCoultre's dedication to precision and forward-thinking engineering. Unlike traditional watches, the Futurematic housed its winding mechanism at the back, allowing for seamless integration of the watch's components and ensuring its renowned smooth functionality. As a self-winding timepiece, it was equipped with an innovative power reserve indicator to monitor energy levels, a feature that highlighted its cutting-edge status. The watch’s sleek aesthetic, accentuated by its minimalist dial and elegantly contoured case, captured the post-war era's spirit of technological optimism. Its engineering not only represented a significant leap in watchmaking but also set the stage for future developments in automatic watches, solidifying LeCoultre's reputation as a pioneer in the field. What's on Offer The LeCoultre Futurematic is a distinguished timepiece renowned for its innovative automatic movement and refined aesthetic. This model is in particularly nice condition and features an off white dial which we believe was re-finished at some time in its life. The dial is adorned with gilt applied hour indexes, offering a clean and elegant display. Enhancing its functionality, the watch boasts two sub-dials: a power reserve indicator at the 9 o’clock position, ensuring the wearer is always aware of the remaining energy, and a seconds counter at 3 o’clock for precise timekeeping. The gilt Dauphine hands offer vintage sophistication, complementing the overall timeless design. A hallmark of mid-century horology, the Futurematic remains a sought-after collector’s piece, embodying LeCoultre’s legacy of technical excellence and understated luxury. A fantastic addition to any collection and a great buy that is still very wearable.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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