Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 481: Manual-Wind Movement with Date and Center Seconds

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 481 is a refined vintage manual-winding mechanical movement, introduced in the 1950s and developed as an enhanced version of Caliber 480. It features a center seconds hand and a date complication, while also integrating anti-magnetic protection—a notable advancement for the time. As such, it was often used in tool watches and high-precision timepieces where reliability under variable conditions was essential.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-winding

• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date (typically at 3 o’clock)

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)

• Power Reserve: Approximately 40–42 hours

• Diameter: Approximately 23.3 mm

• Height: About 4.5 mm

The Caliber 481 shares its core architecture with the 480 but includes improvements in protection and magnetic resistance.

Key Features and Enhancements

While the basic layout mirrors the 480, the 481 introduced anti-magnetic shielding, making it a more robust choice for everyday and professional wear. This was achieved by enclosing sensitive components—especially the balance assembly—in a soft iron inner case or ring, depending on the watch model.

Functional highlights include:

• Central seconds hand powered by a friction-coupled fourth wheel

• Semi-instantaneous date display via a numbered date disc

• Manual date advancement through repeated cycling past midnight (no quick-set)

• Anti-magnetic components or casing, depending on the execution

The movement remained compact and serviceable while offering better resistance to environmental disruption.

Finishing and Craftsmanship

Although built for function, the Caliber 481 does not lack Jaeger-LeCoultre’s traditional attention to detail:

• Bridges with straight brushing or light perlage

• Polished screws and beveled edges

• Calendar mechanism integrated beneath the dial, preserving the slim profile

Finishing varied slightly depending on whether the movement was cased for the European market (Jaeger-LeCoultre) or U.S. market (LeCoultre).

Use in Watch Models

Caliber 481 was frequently found in:

• Mid-century Jaeger-LeCoultre watches designed for scientists, engineers, and professionals

• Tool watches and anti-magnetic timepieces intended for environments with magnetic fields

• LeCoultre-branded watches for the U.S., often marketed as precision instruments with date and seconds display

Watch case sizes typically ranged from 33 to 36 mm and were often crafted in stainless steel or gold-filled cases with screw-back or anti-magnetic protection.

Servicing Notes

The 481 is a relatively robust movement but requires care when servicing the date mechanism and center seconds:

• The calendar jumper spring must be aligned precisely for reliable date switching

• The center seconds friction coupling should be tensioned properly to prevent skipping

• If present, anti-magnetic shielding components must be removed and replaced carefully during service

Original parts are still available through vintage sources, and many components are shared with Caliber 480.

Conclusion

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 481 stands as a thoughtful evolution of a classic manual-wind architecture, adding real-world utility through its center seconds, date display, and anti-magnetic protection. It remains a historically significant and mechanically practical movement that reflects Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to precision, durability, and understated elegance. For collectors of vintage tool watches or mid-century JLC timepieces, the 481 offers both technical interest and wearable charm.