LeCoultre Beau Brummel Vintage 14K Gold Wrist Watch w/Box & Papers

Description

You are bidding on a vintage LeCoultre “Beau Brummel” wrist watch, Swiss-made, probably ca. 1950s. LeCoultre named this watch after George Bryan “Beau” Brummel (1778-1840), an important influencer of mens’ fashions in Regency England. Beau Brummel was a rather colorful character who, at one time, was a close friend of the Prince Regent (who eventually became King George IV), though they later had a falling out. Brummel supposedly spent five hours dressing every morning, bathed daily (a rarity at the time), and was known to always wear exquisitely tailored clothes. Eventually, Brummel’s lavish spending on clothes, gambling, and other things put him heavily in debt, and he had to flee to France to avoid debtors’ prison. Beau Brummel has often been referenced in literature, theatre, cinema, music, and consumer products over the years. For example, there is a reference to Beau Brummel in the 1980 hit song “It’s still rock ‘n roll to me” by Billy Joel. Twenty years before LeCoultre came out with the Beau Brummel watch, Illinois Watch Company introduced a line of watches called the Beau Brummel in 1928.

LeCoultre first introduced the Beau Brummel watch in 1948, and produced it until the mid to late 1950s. This watch was originally designed and marketed as a man’s watch, however it would look small on a man’s wrist by current fashion trends. The watch is certainly stylish and elegant enough to be worn by women as well. This watch features a solid 14K yellow gold case with raised hour markers on the bezel, a 17-jewel manual-wind movement, and a silver matte dial. The case is in excellent condition, showing signs of occasional wear. The movement runs and keeps excellent time. The dial is in good original condition, showing a patina appropriate for its age. Overall, a very presentable watch that is ready to wear in style or present as a wonderful gift to a person who appreciates fine timepieces. This watch measures 31.5mm wide (without crown). Signed case, dial, and movement. Fitted with a black leather strap. Included with the watch is its original box, papers, and price tag (note: the box may be missing the green velvet lining on the bottom section). This watch was rather pricey when new, and sold for $150.00 (adjusted for inflation, that would be equivalent to around $1700.00 today). You can own this very high grade, attractive, highly collectible, ready-to-wear vintage watch from one of the world’s most highly regarded makers, for $1299.99/obo. If you have questions about this watch or about my watch and clock repair services, please feel free to contact me.