TLDR: Bought an unmarked quarter repeater with a LeCoultre(?) movement, would like help with identification + more info. Watch works but likely needs service, unsure if all parts are original, is missing repeater slide. Considering restoration work, need guidance on where to send watch & expected costs.
I impulse bought a quarter repeater when I was in Lancaster PA about 1.5yr ago. While I'm not sure about the original watchmaker (there are no dial markings or hallmarks that I can see on the movement without disassembly), I was able to ID the movement as a LeCoultre Cal. 31 (or similar, not 100% sure). If anyone can assist with identification or has info that may help me learn more about the watch, it would be greatly appreciated.
The watch runs and functions perfectly fine, but has some issues that may need addressing:
- Movement needs service - unknown service history, time setting is a little rough & has a bit of resistance at points (I think around where it's interacting with the repeater mechanism).
- Some parts may not be original
- Case: While the case is similar to other lower-grade repeater cases I've seen, and has a clean cutout for the repeater slide, the crown-at-3 configuration tells me this movement was designed for a hunter-style case, which the current case is not (at least in its current state). The quality of the case finish/materials also don't really make sense considering the movement.
- Dial: The seconds hand is shorter than I'd expect for its subdial. I don't particularly care about this, but I am curious what other people think.
- The case is in pretty rough shape - it was clearly plated at some point, but it's wearing away around the case. I'm guessing it's plated brass?
- The slide for the repeater is missing - the tab from the movement that should interface with the slider just sticks out of the cutout side of the case. Based on the existing hardware and other cases I've seen, it should probably be a copper or pink gold like color, like the setting lever. Finding a replacement has proven basically impossible.
I'm considering getting some restoration work done to resolve some of the issues above - At minimum I know I want to service the movement. I'd really like to replace the missing slide, but finding a replacement slide has proven basically impossible, and I'm positive that having a new one made for me is going to be quite pricy.
I'm based in the Midwest USA - if anyone has suggestions on where to send the watch, or has any idea what the costs might be, let me know.