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

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!

 

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