Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ref.145.8.79 c2002 Ultra-Slim

In 1993 Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Master Ultra Thin range which attracted customers and collectors due to its understated refinement and technical prowess.

Here we have a truly immaculate example of a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Slim Model Ref.145.8.79 in completely original, unrestored and untouched condition. This is undoubtedly one of the great classics of the ultra-slim watch a beautiful model with a simple and clear dial and graceful body.

The Dial

The outstanding Jaeger-LeCoultre dial is very simple, stylish and elegant. The outstanding completely original, unrestored and untouched silver dial is furnished with mixed applied ‘arrowhead’ hour indices, interspersed with beautiful standard Arabic numerals at ‘2 – 4 – 6 – 8 – 10 – 12’. These are matched with original ‘Dauphine’ hands. The overall look, as with all vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre, is one of classic simplicity and elegance.

The dial is simply signed ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ at the very top of the dial just below 12, along with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial below 6.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

Measuring only 5mm thick, this wonderful, steel-cased dress watch houses a extremely high grade, Calibre.849, 19 jewel manual winding movement that was tested for 1000 hours certification before leaving the factory.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This involves complete dismantling to each of its component parts, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required, only with new JLC originals, then careful reassembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration. As can be seen in the images, the movement is in superb condition.

The movement is signed Jaeger-LeCoultre Co and ‘Fab Suisse’ with the calibre number 849.

The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +2 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age! The watch has a runtime of 35 hours from its fully wound state which shows the movement is particularly strong and running well within expected parameters. It is now ready for many more decades of faithful service and we are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty and to assist with servicing again in around three years time.

*Note – The 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

This large-sized 35mm multi-faceted watch case is of exceedingly high quality, being constructed in two pieces with a screwed down case-back.

This is an ultra slim case at 5mm in depth and at the time it was made, would have been one of the slimmest watches available to accommodate the automatic movement. Due to the sophisticated case construction with multiple edges and elegant acute profile, the watch sits beautifully on the wrist and looks every bit the quality piece it is. The watch case is in wonderful condition with no signs of wear visible to the naked eye.

As ever, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high-quality brown alligator strap has been fitted, along with a plain buckle. Please note – it is very unlikely this watch would originally have been fitted with a JLC signed buckle. We feel the strap suits the watch very well, however, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 17mm straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c2002.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

This watch comes complete with an original Jaeger-LeCoultre presentation box.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of an ultra slim Jaeger-LeCoultre Master which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage JLC prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel excellent examples such as this, are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage JLC watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage steel watches.

Thank you