Jaeger-LeCoultre Arabic Two-Tone Dial Cal.P478 Manual Wind, Serviced, 1940s

This is an exceptional hand-wound model manufactured in the 1940s by Jaeger-LeCoultre, a manufacture renowned as a high-end watchmaker.

The dial features a beautiful aging process that captures the passage of time, with a two-tone champagne color adding depth.
Furthermore, its diverse appearance is captivating, with a granular texture or mottled sheen depending on the viewing angle.
The large Arabic numerals and the elegantly heat-blued sword hands retain their original appearance, along with the aged pumpkin-colored radium luminous paint.

The unique design of the hands points directly to the hour circle in the center of the dial.
Even among models equipped with the same caliber, the fact that the length of the hour and minute hands was adjusted to match the dial design is an interesting detail that reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of that era.

The case, with a diameter of 30.7mm, features sharp, mirror-finished lugs and offers a charming, classic aesthetic.
However, some wear is visible on the chrome plating of the case.
The case back remains in good condition considering its age and is engraved with the serial number 361231.
The inside of the case back is inscribed with "Acier Inoxydable, LeCoultre Co, Swiss, Pour Deboiter, Visser Le Clefs, Et, Tourner Le Mouvement" (French).
The crystal is domed and fits the shape of the watch beautifully.

The movement is the LeCoultre Caliber P478, equipped with an anti-shock system (the "P" denotes the shock resistance of the balance wheel).
It is a hand-wound movement with center seconds. As expected from LeCoultre, it is robust, highly reliable, and visually striking.
The gold tone of the movement is bright, featuring a striped hairline finish.
The smooth feel of the manual winding operation also adds to the pleasure of use.

How to Operate

Winding: Rotate clockwise in the neutral position.

Pulling the crown: Insert a fingernail between the case and the crown and pull gently.

Pulling the crown too hard may cause it to come out; please pull gently.
To prevent the crown stem from bending, please remove the watch from your wrist before adjusting.
Operating gently will reduce the strain on the crown.

Setting the time: Pull the crown and rotate it.

Condition

This watch has been overhauled.

The strap is brand new by Morellato, ensuring a comfortable fit.
The buckle is a later Jaeger-LeCoultre design.
The lug width is 16mm and the total length is short (6 o'clock side: 105mm / 12 o'clock side: 70mm); please purchase a longer strap if necessary.
Due to the small size of the case, this is recommended for those with thinner wrists.

There are scratches, wear, and deterioration of the chrome plating on the case.
There are minor scratches on the crystal, but the dial remains clearly legible.

Due to its age, this watch is not waterproof.
Please avoid wearing it on rainy or hot days, and take care to keep it away from water and humidity.
Also, please be careful to avoid shocks and magnetism.