1945 Jaeger-LeCoultre Ref. E 159 Watch Cal. P 478 WWII Military Style Wristwatch S.S.

WA-5506
Out of stock
Jaeger-LeCoultreFounded in 1833 in Le Sentier, Switzerland, Jaeger-LeCoultre is a pillar of Swiss haute horology, known for its technical mastery and in-house innovation. With over 1,200 calibers and hundreds of patents, including the first keyless crown (1847) and the world’s smallest mechanical movement—JLC has shaped modern watchmaking. Its legacy includes...

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THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

IF THE MERCHANDISE YOU PURCHASE FROM Secondhand Horology, LLC (“Secondhand Horology”, “WE”, OR “US”) IS SUBJECT TO A THIRD PARTY WARRANTY, THEN THE MERCHANDISE WILL BE GOVERNED BY SUCH THIRD PARTY WARRANTY (TO THE EXTENT SUCH THIRD PARTY WARRANTY IS ASSIGNABLE BY US TO YOU) AND WILL NOT BE GOVERNED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. IF THE MERCHANDISE YOU PURCHASE FROM US IS NOT SUBJECT TO A THIRD PARTY WARRANTY, Secondhand Horology WARRANTS THAT DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD (DEFINED BELOW), THE MERCHANDISE THAT YOU PURCHASED FROM US WILL BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP.

WE LIMIT THE DURATION AND REMEDIES OF ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE MERCHANDISE (INCLUDING THE PARTS THEREIN) AS DESCRIBED BELOW IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT.

WHO MAY USE THIS WARRANTY?

Secondhand Horology extends this limited warranty only to the consumer who originally purchased the merchandise (“you”) from Secondhand Horology. It does not extend to any subsequent owner or other transferee of the merchandise.

WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY COVER?

This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of the merchandise for the Warranty Period as defined below.

WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY NOT COVER?

This limited warranty does not cover any damage due to: (a) transportation; (b) storage; (c) improper use; (d) failure to follow the merchandise instructions or to perform any preventive maintenance; (e) modifications; (f) unauthorized repair; (g) normal wear and tear; or (h) external causes such as accidents, abuse, or other actions or events beyond our reasonable control.

WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE?

If the merchandise or any portion of the merchandise that you purchase is subject to a third party warranty, Secondhand Horology hereby assigns to you all of its rights and remedies under such warranty to the extent that such rights and remedies are assignable. If the merchandise or any portion of the merchandise is not subject to any other warranty as of the date of purchase by you, and subject to the terms of this Limited Warranty, Secondhand Horology

 warrants that the merchandise shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by you (the “Warranty Period”). The Warranty Period is not extended if we repair or replace the merchandise. We may change the availability of this limited warranty at our discretion, but any changes will not be retroactive.

WHAT ARE YOUR REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY?

With respect to any defective merchandise during the Warranty Period, we will, in our sole discretion repair or replace such merchandise (or the defective part) free of charge. We will also pay for shipping and handling fees to return the repaired or replacement merchandise to you if we elect to repair or replace the defective merchandise.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE?

To obtain warranty service, you must call +1(217)-802-6098 or email our Customer Service Department at info@secondhandhorology.com during the Warranty Period to obtain a Defective Merchandise Authorization (“DMA”) number. Read more about our return and warranty service policies.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

THE REMEDIES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND OUR ENTIRE LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. OUR LIABILITY SHALL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEED THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE, NOR SHALL WE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR LOSSES, WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Secondhand Horology is honored to have the opportunity to serve you. That is why we stand by all of our products with a full 12-month limited warranty. If an item we sell you should fail as a result of a manufacturer's defect at any time during the first 12 months, we will repair or replace the item at absolutely no cost to you.

If your watch has any symptoms of abnormally gaining time, losing time, or not keeping proper time please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email. If it is determined by Secondhand Horology that a repair under warranty is required one of our trained watch professionals will direct you on how to safely and efficiently ship the watch to us.


Not covered by warranty:

  • Regular wear-and-tear from normal use.
  • External damage to the product. Any damages resulting from wear to the watch case, crystal/glass, watch bracelet, watch bezel, straps, screws, crown/stem, finishes, clasps/buckles, or any other physical damage to the watch.
  • Defects caused by outside force or improper use. Consequential and incidental damages.
  • The loss of precious, semi-precious stones from settings.
  • Outside modifications and third party repair attempts of any kind will void the warranty.
  • Any damage if used under conditions which exceed the watch manufacturer’s water resistance guidelines.
  • Watches that are labeled as water resistant feature a screw down crown. The crown must be screwed down properly at all times to keep the watch casing watertight. Water damage is not covered under the warranty unless it is proven defective by the Secondhand Horology.
  • Shipping cost to Secondhand Horology.

Secondhand Horology is determined to stand behind every part of your shopping experience. The Secondhand Horology warranty allows you to make a completely risk-free purchase. This has been our policy and our promise since we began nearly three decades ago serving customers on a local level. Now, we are standing by this policy as we serve online customers from around the world. We look forward to serving you and giving you the incredible value and experience you deserve.

Product Description

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Founded in 1833 in Le Sentier, Switzerland, Jaeger-LeCoultre is a pillar of Swiss haute horology, known for its technical mastery and in-house innovation. With over 1,200 calibers and hundreds of patents, including the first keyless crown (1847) and the world’s smallest mechanical movement—JLC has shaped modern watchmaking. Its legacy includes supplying movements to Patek Philippe and Ademars Piguet, and icons like the Reverso, one of the most celebrated watches of the 20th century.

 

1945 JAEGER-LECOULTRE

WWII Military Wristwatch

Cal. P 478, Reference E 159

  

In the crucible of World War II, technology advanced rapidly to meet the needs of war—and watches were no exception. As precision instruments became essential for military operations, the British Ministry of Defense commissioned select Swiss manufacturers to produce rugged and reliable timepieces. Jaeger-LeCoultre, one of the most respected names in horology, was among them.

 

Around 6,000 of the approximately 150,000 “WWW” (Watch, Wristlet, Waterproof) timepieces—later known as the “Dirty Dozen”—were produced by JLC and delivered to the British RAF in the latter half of 1945. These watches, designed to meet strict military specifications, prioritized legibility, durability, and accuracy in the field.

 

The 1945 Jaeger-LeCoultre E159 Military Watch is a standout from that era. With its sturdy case, luminous Arabic numerals, and manually wound cal. 479 movement, it was built for combat—and has stood the test of time. After the war, this model and its movement evolved into civilian Reference 159, which retained the functional military aesthetic while transitioning into postwar life.

 

Today, the E159 is celebrated by collectors as both a tool watch and a piece of history—simple in form, reliable in function, and timeless in style. It’s a worthy link between the battlefield and the everyday wrist.

 

We are proud to offer this 1945 Jaeger-Lecoultre reference E 159, a finely crafted timepiece that blends timeless style with reliable engineering. This vintage piece with military-style is powered by an original JLC P478 mechanical movement and made in Switzerland. It is in very good condition, perfect for collectors or enthusiasts who appreciate quality and history.

 

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

·        Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre

·        Type: Wristwatch

·        Model / Reference: E159

·        Year / Era: 1945

·        Gender: Men’s

·        Country of Manufacture: Switzerland

·        Dial: Sunburst silver, Arabic numerals with minute/second track, blue steel minute/second hands and silver-tone central second hand

·        Movement Type: Mechanical

·        Caliber: JLC P478 - “P” references to shock protection for the balance wheel—an essential upgrade at a time when accurate, impact-resistant timekeeping was critical.

·        Jewels: -

·        Movement Features: Manual-wind, minute, hour and sweep-second hand; 40-hour power reserve and a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour.

 

CASE/BAND:

·        Material: Stainless steel

·        Case Size: 33mm

·        Case Shape: Round, silver-tone

·        Bezel: Fixed, smooth

·        Back: Snap

·        Crown: Pull-in / Pull-out

·        Crystal: -

·        Water Resistance: -

·        Band: Black genuine leather two-piece strap

 

ADDITIONAL INFO

·        Box & Papers: NO

·        Other Accessories: None

·        Extra information: It keeps good time and runs very well

 

EXTENDED DETAILS

Movement:

Jaeger-LeCoultre

351125

P478 

Case Back Markings:

Acier Inoxydable

LeCoultre Co.

Swiss

Measurements (mm):  

Case Diameter 33

Case Diameter w/Crown 36

Case Lug to Lug 41

Case Thickness 11.5

Lug Width 16

Band Width 16

 

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

 

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience. We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

 

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

 

WA-5506

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