Introduction
First debuting in the 1980s, the Jaeger LeCoultre Odysseus is a vintage-inspired collection rooted to the 1950’s aesthetic of old with elegant dials, refined constructions and brilliantly executed movements, all benchmarks of JLC’s talents as a watchmaker, that served to speak to collectors following the onslaught of the quartz crisis. Offered here we have the Moonphase Mechaquartz Chronograph Odyssus ref. 165.7.3 from the 1990s with a stunning white dial and a stepped 18kt yellow gold case that comes in at 34.5mm in diameter with a vintage-inspired silhouette arising from its stepped lugs and matching stepped bezel. Boasting a white dial with black, red, and blue inscriptions, the ref. 165.7.3’s display is immediately legible while also stylish and unique. Functional through its mechaquartz cal. 630 movement, the ref. 165.7.3 comes complete with a mechanical chronograph function and a date function, joining the benefits of quartz technology with the artistry and mechanics of mechanical watchmaking. Sized at 34.5mm and only 8mm tall, the ref. 165.7.3 is imbued with the Odysseus’ vintage styling and heritage-inspired construction while championing higher-end watchmaking.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Jaeger LeCoultre
Dimensions
35mm
Model
Moonphase Chronograph Odysseus
Movement
Quartz cal. 630
Reference
165.7.3
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Featuring a bright white dial with a plethora of information from its various complications, the Odysseus' display is full of dimension, color, and functionality.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a 34.5mm 18kt yellow gold construction, the Odysseus' case is wonderfully understated with its stepped lugs and bezel giving its design a mid-century aesthetic.
THE MOVEMENT
Thanks to being powered by a mecha-quartz movement, the Odysseus' case is quite thin, and so it wears close to the wrist.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case remains well defined, with surface scratches and light marks visible throughout, while the case back shows surface scratches and retains excellent engravings and hallmarks. There is wear visible to the screw heads. The case features pink gold inserts to the bezel along with pink gold pushers and crown, all of which remain excellent. The dial shows light fissures around some of the hour markers and within the centres of the sub-dials, while the dial text remains vibrant and the hands remain clean. It is fitted with a brown leather strap in good condition and a steel pin buckle.
Our Perspective
A wonderful expression of 1990s watchmaking, whereby it combines the time's technology with classical watchmaking aesthetics and complications, the ref. 165.7.3 is a fantastic piece of JLC heritage that is a lot of watch for the money.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
