Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm

[Caver95]

Hey all, I inherited this 1959 deep sea alarm. I’m very excited about having it restored. Ideally I would love to find someone in Florida who would allow me to be apart of the process as this is something I’m not ready to tackle. 
 

I told my mom I’m getting into watches and asked her to keep an eye out as she thrifts and yardsales. She said I have a couple of cheap ones of your grandfather’s. I was shocked when I looked up LeCoultre. It’s in rough shape and I want to get her ticking correctly again. I know it needs a full service and am not sure if the alarm works but the watch runs a bit. I have purchased a k815 caliber of eBay as a donor in the event I need parts. I am waiting on some jlc crowns and nos stems(found the service bulletin for the k815 on here.) I’m looking for guidance on finding the right watch maker to do it. I have emailed with Zaf of classic watches.com but mailing this thing scares the hell out me. 

[nickelsilver]

If you're in Florida check out Earnest Tope, a true watchmaker who makes parts (any parts) and also just cleans and adjusts vintage or current movements.  I don't know who he's affiliated with at the moment but can vouch for him. He serviced Ted Crom's collection,  which is about the best CV/résumé  one can have.

 

Also, Florida is pretty big. Sending  watches by (registered) post for repair was already the norm 20 years ago, so even if he's far, no worry.

[Jack75]

That's a gem, the k815, an early Memovox type movement. I have worked on several k825 movement and the only issue that may need special attention is the release of the alarm hammer. Here is a breakdown of parts from WatchGuy that you may not have seen. He has more on his web site.

https://watchguy.co.uk/cgi-bin/library?action=show_photos&wat_id=3573

He also gives price estimates for work done in the UK.

[Caver95]

On 12/11/2021 at 5:53 PM, nickelsilver said:

If you're in Florida check out Earnest Tope, a true watchmaker who makes parts (any parts) and also just cleans and adjusts vintage or current movements.  I don't know who he's affiliated with at the moment but can vouch for him. He serviced Ted Crom's collection,  which is about the best CV/résumé  one can have.

 

Also, Florida is pretty big. Sending  watches by (registered) post for repair was already the norm 20 years ago, so even if he's far, no worry.

Awesome that is 2 hours away from me! I will be calling at 10. Thank you!

[Caver95]

On 12/12/2021 at 2:14 AM, Jack75 said:

That's a gem, the k815, an early Memovox type movement. I have worked on several k825 movement and the only issue that may need special attention is the release of the alarm hammer. Here is a breakdown of parts from WatchGuy that you may not have seen. He has more on his web site.

https://watchguy.co.uk/cgi-bin/library?action=show_photos&wat_id=3573

He also gives price estimates for work done in the UK.

I have not seen that breakdown, thanks for sharing. 

[Caver95]

Hey All, Long time no talk... I had Zaf Basha and his crew do the service and have been wearing regulary for about a year and am seriously considering sending to JLC for a restoration.