Hairspring regulator repair for this Jaeger-LeCoultre vintage watch, is it a big deal or not, worth buying?

Sam909
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I saw an earlier post from another member about a watch; it looked beautiful. I wanted to check on the internet for the market but couldn't easily find the same. However, I found a similar but different movement; it looks nice, however, when I tried to check further and match it with other photos for the same model, it seems there is something wrong with hairspring regulator, is this simple fix or expensive ? I do not have mechanical experience at this, also not sure if the watch was redial, Swiss was different than the other photo may be it is just a camera or shot taken in different environment, what would be your feedback, thanks!!

I tried to navigate better and found this gentleman, he seems pretty knowledge but I think this is something pretty advanced to me at this stage ! Can someone explain this in an easy language馃榾 and what is your advise on this regard !


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gatorcpa
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That is not an easy fix. Probably needs a new balance complete (includes hairspring) and a watchmaker with the skill to regulate a replaced balance.

It鈥檚 a shame because the watch looks pretty nice cosmetically.
gatorcpa
 
Sam909
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
That is not an easy fix. Probably needs a new balance complete (includes hairspring) and a watchmaker with the skill to regulate a replaced balance.

It鈥檚 a shame because the watch looks pretty nice cosmetically.
gatorcpa
Yes, this watch is beautiful; yet, this is quite sad news. Do you have any idea how much a new balance complete for this type costs and whether this can be found online easily or not?
 
gatorcpa
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For a watch like this, finding new balance is going to be almost impossible. You would need another old cal. 478 movement and hope and pray that the balance can be salvaged.
gatorcpa
 
Sam909
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
For a watch like this, finding new balance is going to be almost impossible. You would need another old cal. 478 movement and hope and pray that the balance can be salvaged.
gatorcpa
Thanks alot for your feedback, this is so unfortunate; this watch deserves to be saved. I expect that JLC will charge exorbitant fees to service their watches.
 
Sam909
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Now it makes sense why seller add this note "Our watch maker is currently on holiday so we have not had it serviced"
 
Sam909
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This is still at ongoing auction, and I believe it is also will be a sad news for the potential buyer, I wish the seller mention this
 
gatorcpa
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There is a complete movement for sale on eBay at the moment. It isn鈥檛 cheap.

https://ebay.us/m/ix1okw

You still would need a professional to determine the best way to proceed here. But when you get down to it, it鈥檚 going to take a lot of money and time to fix this watch, regardless of how nice the dial and case looks.

Better to spend a little more upfront and get one in nicer condition to start.
gatorcpa
 
Sam909
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
There is a complete movement for sale on eBay at the moment. It isn鈥檛 cheap.

https://ebay.us/m/ix1okw

You still would need a professional to determine the best way to proceed here. But when you get down to it, it鈥檚 going to take a lot of money and time to fix this watch, regardless of how nice the dial and case looks.

Better to spend a little more upfront and get one in nicer condition to start.
gatorcpa
Thank you so much; I will follow your suggestion and wait for something in nicer condition.
 
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