Usually when things are complicated, it means more stress, more work, and more effort, but in the end, it's worth it. The same holds true for vintage wristwatches, where gifted artisans and engineers from years gone by labored months and years to create complicated timepieces that transcend art and talent. When it comes to vintage wristwatches, the highest realms of respect and value are reserved for these watches that do much more than merely tell time.

Today's offering showcases one of these very desirable watches. Powered by a complicated, original Jaeger-LeCoultre movement, the watch possesses advanced capabilities that track the date and day of the week along with the phases of the moon. When set correctly it can be used as a full featured calendar tool or as a display of precision purchased to adorn a deserving gentleman's wrist.

Besides the precision of its movement, its beauty makes it stand out. We have always felt this model is supremely elegant. This version has the uncommon and pleasing combination of steel with 18K rose gold accents, which the red date track really complements, and its timeless case has beautiful large tear drop lugs.

Our photos couldn't do it justice.

We were fortunate to acquire it with all original parts.

Its attractive case presents in pleasing condition. It has a light remnant of a hairline on the back, one mark on the side of a lug, light pitting between the lugs, and a well-done reinforcement of a lug. The reinforcing of lugs on this model is seemingly nearly always present because of the design of very small attachment points and the way JLC originally soldered them on. Otherwise besides these few signs of aging, the rest of the case presents as just short of mint with only signs of one light polishing.

Its silver dial with its cut outs for displaying the month, day, and moonphase, is original and untouched. It has warmed to a sepia tone giving it a true vintage look. The moonphase disk has become tropical toned making it perfectly complement the rose gold motif and giving the watch a unified tone. For purist tropical and patina collectors, it has a gorgeous vintage presentation.

Its complicated Jaeger-LeCoultre movement is clean.

One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, installing a brand new correct mainspring and new mineral glass crystal to give a clear view to the very extreme edge of the dial, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and timing testing and regulation (a $795 value). All calendar functions work correctly, and the watch's amplitude is incredibly strong.

Accompanying the watch is its rose gold plated beads of rice style bracelet that appears to have been fitted to it at the time of its original sale. For the finishing touch we have also equipped it with a new Teju crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a full one-year international warranty, a Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to the watch's performance.

Note: A published example of this desirable model can be found in Franco Cologni's Jaeger-LeCoultre: The History of the Grande Maison, 2006, pg. 334. Information on this model can also be found in Zaf Basha's book Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Collector's Guide.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Year built: c. 1948
• Serial no.: 482,229
• Model: Triple Date Calendar with moonphase
• Case material: Stainless steel and 18K rose gold
• Case markings (outside): Jaeger-LeCoultre case number 413,989
• Case markings (inside): Acier Inoxydable, Fab Suisse
• Case condition: Pleasing condition. It has a light remnant of a hairline on the back, one mark on the side of a lug, light pitting between the lugs, and a well-done reinforcement of a lug. The reinforcing of lugs on this model is seemingly nearly always present because of the design of very small attachment points and the way JLC originally soldered them on. Otherwise besides these few signs of aging, the rest of the case presents as just short of mint with only signs of one light polishing.
• Dimensions: 34mm wide (excluding crown), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver (originally), rose gold applique Arabic and faceted dart indexes, red outer date track, apertures for day, date, month, sub dials in English, original and untouched, warmed to a sepia tone
• Hands: Original, rose gold, faceted dauphines, red tipped steel date hand
• Movement type: High-grade, manually wound, rectangular, cal. P494/1, rhodium plated,"fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, flat balance spring
• Movement markings: LeCoultre Co., Swiss, P494/A, 17 Jewels
• Band: 1. Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. 2. Rose gold plated beads of rice style bracelet that appears to have been fitted to it at the time of its original sale. Serviceable condition. We also stock a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, mint condition
• Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, installing a brand new correct mainspring and new mineral glass crystal to give a clear view to the very extreme edge of the dial, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and timing testing and regulation (a $795 value). All calendar functions work correctly, and the watch's amplitude is incredibly strong.
• Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide