JLC - What is it, and what the heck happened to the case?!?!

toddle321 · Sep 23, 2015

I saw this JLC at a friend's place, does anyone have info on the reference number and time period? It was a decent sized case for an older watch, I would guess 36mm.

Any idea what happened to the case back? Metal termites? 😕

Thank you!

Canuck · Sep 23, 2015

Stainless steel is not stainless. The case appears to be chrome plated. Two dissimilar metals, in the presence of acids and moisture, electrolysis happens, and metal can be eaten away. I have to say I have never seen such serious corrosion on "stainless" steel!

Darlinboy · Sep 24, 2015

These plated cases... have seen this before, but not that extensive.😲

The dial is in amazing condition considering the rest of the watch.

Looks '40's to me, but can't make out the movement, it is one I don't immediately recognize. Can you read it?

Xtof · Sep 24, 2015

The "B" mark above the serial number on the caseback means that only the back is in stainless steel. The rest of the case is not in steel but chrome plated.

These "B" jaeger-lecoultre were quite common in the 40s.

toddle321 · Sep 24, 2015

Thanks guys - I will try to get better shots of the movement. I was also amazed at the condition of the dial considering what happened to the case back.