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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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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