{"product_id":"1960-s-lecoultre-master-mariner-ref-3051-883-automatic-date-18k-yellow-gold-unpolished","title":"1960’s LeCoultre Master Mariner Ref. 3051-883 Automatic Date 18K Yellow Gold Unpolished","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautifully preserved and exceptionally uncommon \u003cstrong\u003eLeCoultre Master Mariner Automatic Date, reference 3051-883\u003c\/strong\u003e, presented in a solid \u003cstrong\u003e18K yellow gold case\u003c\/strong\u003e and dating to the \u003cstrong\u003e1960s\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not the typical Master Mariner encountered on the market. Its combination of a solid gold case, unusual original dial configuration, original details, and remarkably honest condition makes it an especially appealing example for the collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Case\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e33mm excluding the crown\u003c\/strong\u003e and about \u003cstrong\u003e36mm including the crown\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering elegant and well-balanced vintage proportions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe solid \u003cstrong\u003e18K yellow gold case remains unpolished\u003c\/strong\u003e, retaining its original lines and character. It shows only the honest signs of age and careful wear expected from a watch of this era. The case retains a beautiful natural presence that would be difficult to replicate after polishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crystal is also in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Rare Original Dial\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe standout feature of this example is its exceptionally uncommon \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal silver dial\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than the more frequently encountered Master Mariner dial configurations, this watch features \u003cstrong\u003eapplied Roman numerals at the cardinal positions\u003c\/strong\u003e, combined with distinctive applied baton markers featuring dark, black onyx-like accents. These details create a striking contrast against the silver dial and complement the watch's black and gold hands beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the light moves across the dial, the different textures and applied elements give the watch a character that is difficult to capture in photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unusual configuration is rarely encountered and gives this Master Mariner a particularly distinctive appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStrap \u0026amp; Buckle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is fitted with a black alligator strap and retains its \u003cstrong\u003esolid 18K yellow gold LeCoultre buckle\u003c\/strong\u003e, an attractive and increasingly difficult combination to find on a vintage example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMovement \u0026amp; Service\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is powered by its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal automatic mechanical movement with date\u003c\/strong\u003e, and all functions are operating properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with any vintage mechanical watch, timekeeping should be understood in the context of the watch's age. A mechanical watch from the 1960s will not necessarily maintain the same precision as a modern watch, and daily timekeeping can vary depending on factors such as \u003cstrong\u003ewear, position, temperature, activity, and the environment in which the watch is used\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a normal characteristic of a vintage mechanical timepiece and should be expected, particularly by new collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Rare Solid Gold Master Mariner\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this period, many LeCoultre watches sold in the North American market were offered in stainless steel or gold-filled cases. \u003cstrong\u003eSolid gold examples were produced in considerably smaller numbers\u003c\/strong\u003e, with 18K cases representing a far more exclusive offering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, surviving solid gold examples in original and well-preserved condition are particularly difficult to find. Over the decades, many solid gold watches were altered, heavily polished, or simply lost to their intrinsic gold value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example has survived with its uncommon original dial configuration, unpolished 18K yellow gold case, and important original details intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCollector's Perspective\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe appeal of this watch is not simply that it is made of gold. It is the combination of details that makes it special: the \u003cstrong\u003eunpolished solid 18K case, unusual original dial, elegant Master Mariner design, automatic date movement, and excellent overall preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sophisticated and highly collectible vintage LeCoultre that offers a level of rarity and character rarely found in the more common examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn exceptional opportunity for the collector looking for a truly uncommon solid gold LeCoultre from the golden era of Swiss watchmaking.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Awad Watches","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46987300798662,"sku":null,"price":5750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0757\/1908\/2182\/files\/DSC05219.jpg?v=1787936197","url":"https:\/\/awadwatches.com\/products\/1960-s-lecoultre-master-mariner-ref-3051-883-automatic-date-18k-yellow-gold-unpolished","provider":"Awad Watches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}