steel, bumper automatic, plastic glass, power reserve indicator, leather strap, ca 1953.
Caliber 497, Serial nr 947.737, Case nr 618.972
Movement (6/10)
Dial and hands (5/10)
Case (5/10)
Leather Strap
Buckle (Buckle)
Certificate (No)
Box (No)
Overall Opinion (6/10)
Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
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.
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