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We don’t often talk about auctions on w&w… actually, this would be the first time, not counting the occasional ebay mention. Needless to say, auctions are terrific places to find vintage watches and occasionally get a remarkable deal. Well, on Monday December 3rd, 5:30 CST Leslie Hindman Auctioneers of Chicago are holding a vintage watch auction that we think you, our readers, might find quite interesting.
Amongst the many well curated timepieces for sale are a handful of more affordable options (quoted below $3,000) that are both unique and beautiful. From a pair of 1930’s doctor’s watches by Gruen and Hamilton that are estimated in the 1 – 2k 
range to a couple of gold plated Longines in the $400 – $700 range, the options vary greatly in look and style, but all seem to be in great condition.
The watch that jumps out of the pack for my eyes is the nearly perfect LeCoultre Futurematic (Sale 275 Lot 11) that is estimated at $400 – $600, though I would expect it to go for higher. This is a particularly cool watch, as far as affordable vintage watches go, given its make and unique design. First, it is a LeCoultre, as in Jaeger LeCoultre. In the 50’s JLC produced models that were assembled in the US, with the simplified name of LeCoultre. The name is slightly different, but the watch is a genuine JLC, with a Swiss made JLC caliber 497 automatic movement inside… and it can be had at a remarkably tolerable price. At a glance, the Futurematic (how cool is that name by the way?) might look like a bi-compax chronograph, but the sub-dials are actually a power reserve and small seconds at 9 and 3 respectively. Keen observers might have already noticed the lack of a crown on the side of the case, and that would be because it is actually located on the back of the watch. Strange, unique with a timeless design made by a great brand, what else could you want? For more info on the Futurematic check out this article.
Naturally, there are plenty of higher priced options too, from a 1965 Speedmaster and a gorgeous 1945 Chronographe Suisse two-tone rose and yellow gold chronograph up to some Rolexes, a few Pateks, Vacheron’s, AP’s, a couple F.P. Journes, etc… And if you are not in Chicago, no worries, they are offering on-line and absentee bidding as well. Check out the details and links below for more info.
Where and When
The sale will take place on Monday, December 3rd, at 5:30PM Central Standard Time in our Chicago office at 1338 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607. For directions or general information please call 312-280-1212.
How to View
The online auction catalogue can be viewed by visiting their web site and clicking on “Fine Timepieces”
How to Bid
Please print out and read through the attached Conditions of Sale document, print out and complete the attached Bid Form, and/or visit the web site. You can also register to bid live through our online bidding platform LHLive. Instructions are on the site.
images courtesy of John Tillman of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
