Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 489: Manual-Wind Movement with Center Seconds and Date

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 489 is a vintage manual-winding mechanical movement developed in the 1960s as part of the brand’s ongoing refinement of slim, reliable calibers with everyday functionality. Closely related to earlier movements like Calibers 480 and 484, the 489 integrates a central seconds hand and a date function, designed to meet the growing demand for practical timepieces in the post-war period.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-winding

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

• Jewels: 17

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

• Power Reserve: Approximately 40 hours

• Diameter: Around 23.3 mm

• Height: Approximately 4.6 mm

This compact construction made the movement ideal for thin, classically styled wristwatches with practical features for daily use.

Key Features

The Caliber 489 continues the evolution of JLC’s manual-wind movements with center seconds and a calendar, offering:

• Central seconds driven by a friction-coupled fourth wheel

• Date complication using a semi-instantaneous switching mechanism, activated by a date-driving finger on the hour wheel

• Manual date setting via advancing the hands past midnight (no quick-set in standard versions)

• Reliable hand-wound energy delivery, with a sturdy barrel and gear train layout

The movement offers a modern layout for the time, giving users a clean dial view with added functionality.

Movement Design and Finishing

As with other Jaeger-LeCoultre calibers from this era, the 489 maintains a balance between utility and quality:

• Bridges and plates are finished with light perlage or straight brushing

• Screw heads are polished, and gear wheels are finely machined

• The calendar system is efficiently integrated beneath the dial, preserving case thinness

Its design favors serviceability and durability without unnecessary complexity.

Watch Applications

Caliber 489 was commonly housed in:

• 1960s Jaeger-LeCoultre and LeCoultre-branded watches aimed at the European and American markets

• Gold or steel dress watches ranging from 33–36 mm in diameter

• Watches with central seconds and date windows, following the mid-century aesthetic shift toward symmetry and legibility

These watches were often minimalist in design, appealing to professionals and collectors alike.

Servicing Considerations

While straightforward to service, the Caliber 489 requires attention in a few specific areas:

• Friction spring for central seconds must be finely tuned to prevent stuttering

• Calendar mechanism components (disc, jumper, and driving wheel) should be clean, aligned, and lightly lubricated

• Barrel and winding system should be checked for wear, especially in unserviced vintage examples

Some parts are compatible with previous calibers like the 484, though calendar-specific pieces may be model-specific.

Conclusion

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 489 is a refined manual-wind movement that balances vintage charm with practical features. Its central seconds and date display make it an ideal caliber for mid-century dress watches that offered both elegance and everyday functionality. For collectors of vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre or enthusiasts of clean, mechanical watch design, the 489 remains a dependable and desirable example of the brand’s craftsmanship in the 1960s.