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Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic

I got my hands on this beautiful piece of watch history. Jaeger-LeCoultre E501 Futurematic with the calibre 497. The 50s were for sure significant times of the mechanical watch innovation and development. All times before the quartz revolution that overflowed the world.

On the left side the power indicator is seen
Magazine ad from 1957
The automatic rotor requires motion

Calibre 497 automatic system features a rotor that swings bidirectionally through an angle of about 19 degrees and reversed forth and back in a bumper. Therefore the watch requires more kind of sideway motion to be wounded. From inside it sounds like something is loose but fully normal and understandable. Actually I tested it on my watch “carousel” Bergeon 5511 cyclotest but with bad result. So don’t be scared of my shaking of the Futurematic.

A view of the Futurematic 497
The slide setting button

In a very future matic manner, at these days the watch didn’t had a traditional winding- through the crown- system. Also the setting of the hands function was designed by a sliding button on the back.

37 mm comfortable classic

Yes it is easy indeed to get in love with this beautiful Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic. Well unfortunately it has to be returned to the owner after a minor adjustment of the setting mechanism.

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Omega “WatchCo”

For everyones information! WatchCo was an Omega authorized service center in Australia. They aren’t anymore but still have a supply of parts for omega watches including cases, bezels, dials, and hands. WatchCo is known for assembling 1960s style Seamaster 300s from a stock of genuine Omega service parts.

One day Anton called me on the phone and told that he had this project to build an Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 1660324 from WatchCo parts. There was also a genuine 552 calibre that needed some attention before the cncounter with dial, hands and finally the case.

All parts arrived
Some adjustments before assembly

The 552 movement was in cleaned and good condition But there was some adjustments needed, so I had to take it apart partially. Mainspring barrel had to large endshake and automatic device had to be adjusted as well. Some extra lubrication here and there was also neccesary.

Lubrication of incabloc
The old Vibrograf is still doing it´s analog job
Case and content just before marriage
Last inspection
Waterproof test done
Final check of the automatic winding and daily rate in slow easy rotations
The back
The face

And finally done! A really cool Omega that I would rather keep for my self. Anton will probably never agree on that point but let´s see if I can make an good proposal on it.

Anton a very proud Omega owner indeed!

Thanks for the project m8! I am also very glad to have you Anton here on People & Time.

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Countdown…

The timer is on and a countdown for my new life to begin. After many years as an employed watchmaker at an Rolex AD in a small town in southern part of Sweden, I finally took the decision to resign from my safe and secure job. Some people say that it’s stupid and crazy and in these times of corona etc. Well they might be right, who knows. Actually the decision was made by me a time ago and all way before the corona crisis.

The timer is on

It’s time to be my own boss and time to follow the inner voice. It’s Chronologica time! ⌚ ?

Got myself a new west so what could possibly go wrong

Going through the process is a roller-coaster. From secure salary deposit every month to the bank account and.. Ah well money is not everything in life but hell yeah, they are needed indeed.

Evening by the bench

Yes there will be long days at the work bench. At least they will be spent at my own place. Wish me good luck guys.

And meanwhile writing this blog post that timer didn’t stop

7 of August at 18:00 New life begins