CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AND APPRAISAL
1 YEAR MECHANICAL WARRANTY
About
Although not commercially successful when it was released in the early 1950s, the Futurematic has attained cult status among vintage collectors for its distinctive styling and complex movement. When it launched, LeCoultre advertised it as the "world's first fully automatic wrist watch", and indeed while the watch has a back-set crown, there is no way to manually wind the mainspring. Instead, the mainspring barrel is designed so the watch will always hold approximately 6 hours of power reserve. Picking up the watch and setting the time will jump start the movement immediately.
Other innovations include a unique hack mechanism activated while setting the watch (rare on an automatic for this period) and a stop-work mechanism that locks the rotor when the power reserve is full (reducing wear).
While the movement was marketed as ultra innovative and high-tech (so much so, that by some accounts its design and production almost bankrupted the company), aesthetically the watch featured a classic, elegant aesthetic typical of the 1950s, albeit with some distinguishing touches such as the colourful power reserve sub-dial. By foregoing a traditional winding crown, LeCoultre was able to establish a stylish and symmetrical case design, while its elongated lugs created a larger profile on the wrist than its 35mm diameter would suggest.
We have paired this Futurematic with a Molequin Saffiano strap in black.
Details
Movement:
Type: Automatic Wind, Cal 497, 17 jewels
We have given the movement a full service, and it works eagerly, keeping good time. Power reserve and hacking function work as they should. One year mechanical warranty included.
Case:
35mm 10k Gold Filled case
Strap:
Molequin Saffiano leather strap in midnight black, quick release spring bars (MSRP: €105.00)
Overall condition:
Case is fantastic, with few, minor marks of wear. New, original back-set crown. New acrylic crystal. Dial is excellent, with attractive patina, some light spotting on perimeter. Script and colouring are perfect, hands are clean.
