
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
LeCoultre Powermatic, Automatic Bumper, 10k Gold Filled Case, circa 1950s
- Maker / attribution
- LeCoultre (maker)
- Date
- c. 1950s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold filled
- Dimensions
- Case 33 mm
- Stock no.
- vws3805cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3805cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- LeCoultre Powermatic - Automatic Bumper - 10k Gold Filled Case - c.1950s (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3805cs), 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. Recorded dimensions: Case 33 mm. 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 charming LeCoultre Powermatic automatic bumper with a 10k gold-filled case and attractive power reserve display, c.1950s Founded in 1833 in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux by Antoine LeCoultre, the LeCoultre brand became synonymous with innovation and fine watchmaking. The company pioneered precision tools like the Millionomètre and developed numerous groundbreaking movements. In North America, watches were often sold under the “LeCoultre” name through a partnership with Longines-Wittnauer, offering Swiss craftsmanship tailored for the U.S. market. These pieces are now prized for their quality, elegance, and place in the brand’s illustrious heritage. What's on Offer We are pleased to offer this characterful LeCoultre Powermatic, featuring the brand’s distinctive power reserve indicator beneath the 12 o’clock position. This charming complication shows the remaining running time at a glance, with a red arc slowly retreating as the mainspring unwinds. The cream dial is well-balanced, with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the quarters, faceted markers in between, and slim Dauphine hands.There are lumed pips on the hour. There are some signs of slight patina which may continue as the watch ages - a joy! Housed in a 33mm 10k gold-filled case with elegant, tapered lugs, the watch is powered by the automatic bumper Calibre 481 — a 17-jewel movement offering a 40-hour reserve. The shatterproof Plexiglass crystal protects the dial, while a brown leather strap complements the warm gold. With its combination of practical complication, vintage charm, and understated style, this Powermatic is a fine example of LeCoultre’s inventive design. We love this one!
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
Automatic (self-winding) watches
Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.
What to look for
- A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
- 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
- A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.
Dating clues
- Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
- Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
- Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.
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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