Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 484: Manual-Wind Movement with Central Seconds and Date Function

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 484 is a vintage manual-winding mechanical movement, introduced during the 1960s as part of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s evolution toward slimmer and more practical wristwatch calibers. It features a central seconds hand and a date complication, making it an ideal movement for timepieces designed for everyday wear with a touch of refinement. Compact, elegant, and reliable, the 484 reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to precision and functionality in the post-war era.

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: Around 23.3 mm

• Height: Roughly 4.5 mm

These dimensions made the Caliber 484 suitable for slim-cased wristwatches, maintaining the classic proportions desired during the 1960s.

Key Features

The Caliber 484 builds upon the architecture of earlier movements like the Caliber 480 and 481, offering a reliable and serviceable platform with everyday functionality.

Highlights include:

• Central seconds hand, offering modern dial symmetry and legibility

• Date mechanism with semi-instantaneous switching, driven by a finger mounted on the hour wheel

• Manual date adjustment, typically by advancing the hands past midnight (no quick-set feature)

• Streamlined gear train, enabling efficient energy transmission and steady amplitude

Its clean and efficient design reflects Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mid-century philosophy—mechanical excellence with understated elegance.

Finishing and Construction

Although developed as a functional caliber, the 484 still features high-quality finishing:

• Circular graining or light brushing on bridges

• Polished screw heads and beveled edges

• Well-integrated calendar system, placed under the dial to avoid bulk

The movement’s architecture allows for easy assembly and service access, which made it a favorite among watchmakers and ensured its longevity in use.

Use in Watch Models

The Caliber 484 was commonly found in:

• Jaeger-LeCoultre and LeCoultre-branded watches from the 1960s

• Time-only dress watches with date functionality

• Steel or gold cases, usually between 33 mm and 36 mm in diameter

• Watches with minimalist dials and applied hour markers, typical of the era

Its central seconds layout made it well-suited for modern dial designs as tastes shifted away from small seconds subdials.

Servicing Considerations

The 484 is straightforward to service, though attention is required for the date system:

• Calendar jumper spring must be precisely aligned for reliable operation

• Friction spring for the central seconds should be adjusted for smooth hand movement

• Lubrication points on the calendar mechanism, escapement, and barrel must be carefully managed

Parts are occasionally shared with Caliber 480 and 481, though some components, especially related to the calendar module, are unique.

Conclusion

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 484 is a well-balanced vintage movement that offers both style and utility. With its slim profile, center seconds, and date display, it encapsulates the needs of mid-20th-century wearers seeking elegance and practicality in one package. For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents a fine example of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s craftsmanship during a pivotal period in mechanical watchmaking.