1154_JLC 880

Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 880: Overview from Technical Document 1154_JLC (Pages 1–)

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 880 is a self-winding mechanical movement designed in the mid-20th century and widely used in dress watches that required both automatic functionality and slim profile. The technical document 1154_JLC outlines the design, component layout, lubrication instructions, and servicing guides for this movement—providing critical reference material for watchmakers and collectors who work with this classic JLC caliber.


Technical Specifications

  • Type: Automatic (self-winding)

  • Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds

  • Jewels: Approximately 23

  • Frequency: 19,800 vibrations per hour (2.75 Hz)

  • Power Reserve: Around 42 hours

  • Diameter: Approx. 25.6 mm

  • Height: Approx. 5.4 mm

This movement strikes a balance between compactness and mechanical complexity, making it suitable for refined men’s watches during the 1960s–1970s.


Movement Architecture and Key Features

The Caliber 880 is part of a modular family of automatic movements that later gave rise to date-equipped variants like Caliber 881. Its design emphasizes efficient winding, smooth gear transmission, and serviceability.

Key features include:

  • Unidirectional winding rotor, mounted on ball bearings for long-term durability

  • Central seconds hand, offering clear dial legibility and modern appearance

  • Shock protection system on the balance wheel

  • Fine regulator for micro-adjustments of rate precision

  • Efficient gear train, laid out in a radial configuration to optimize space


Highlights from Technical Document 1154_JLC

The document includes comprehensive technical references such as:

  • Exploded views of the entire movement, identifying all component numbers

  • Lubrication chart with recommended oil types (e.g., Moebius oils) and application points

  • Automatic winding bridge assembly guide, detailing rotor axle placement, reverser wheel positions, and tension spring alignment

  • Balance and escapement setup, showing optimal positioning of shock protection springs and regulator pins

  • Winding and setting mechanism breakdown, explaining the interaction between the crown wheel, clutch, and sliding pinion


Finishing and Construction

Although primarily designed for functionality, the Caliber 880 reflects Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reputation for finishing:

  • Bridges typically feature Geneva striping

  • Perlage (circular graining) on the mainplate

  • Polished screw heads and beveled bridge edges

  • Rotor often engraved with the Jaeger-LeCoultre name or logo, depending on the watch model


Watch Applications

Caliber 880 was used in:

  • Slim automatic dress watches produced during the 1960s and 1970s

  • LeCoultre-branded models sold in the U.S. market

  • Models with clean dials, central seconds, and sometimes date windows (in extended versions like 881/883)

Case sizes ranged from 34–36 mm, often in stainless steel or gold, reflecting the elegant, practical style of the time.


Servicing and Maintenance Notes

Watchmakers working with Caliber 880 must pay attention to:

  • Rotor bearing wear, a common service point in vintage automatics

  • Lubrication of reverser wheels and sliding gears, to avoid winding inefficiencies

  • Proper tensioning of the friction spring for the central seconds, to ensure smooth operation

  • Correct reinstallation of the balance and regulator, as improper positioning can lead to amplitude loss or beat error

Most components are still serviceable using vintage parts, and many are shared with sibling calibers like 881 and 883.


Conclusion

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 880, as detailed in document 1154_JLC, is a hallmark of the brand’s mid-century automatic movement design. With its clean architecture, practical functions, and durable construction, it played a key role in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s transition from hand-wound to automatic dress watches. Today, it remains appreciated for its mechanical simplicity, precision, and elegant integration into timeless vintage timepieces.

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