Long ago Jaeger-LeCoultre built their reputation as masters of watch design. This commitment to stylistic excellence produced a number of exquisitely sculpted watches (like the Reverso), and the company's tradition for beautiful design continued to show-up in certain models of their later American market watches like this watch.

Its distinctive style is striking - it was one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's few watch made for the U.S market crafted out of 18K gold instead of 14K gold, attesting to its exclusive top-tier position among the company's American watches.

From the silver dial with 18K accents, to the gorgeous 18K case with hobnail bezel and high grade, hand-crafted automatic caliber 493 movement, every piece about this special watch showcases the quality one would expect from the fine Swiss watchmaker.

So well-designed and constructed was the movement that Vacheron & Constantin and Audemars Piguet used it as the base movement in their automatic watches from the era. It was Vacheron's first bi-directional automatic, dubbed the P1019 for their use (see comparative image).

It has fully LeCoultre parts down to all the hands. Its 18K garde case filled with panache is better than near mint. Its dial was restored in vintage times - please inquire if you would like it freshly restored. And its fine automatic movement is keeping time.

One of our watchmakers has freshly cleaned and oiled the watch, disassembling it to its very last screw.

We have also installed a new crystal specially selected to not obsure the outer track of the dial. For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new Teju strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the American market
• Year built: c. 1952
• Serial no.: 836,289
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): 18K GOLD
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed by LeCoultre - note the numerous hand-engraved watchmakers marks showing an extensive service history
• Case condition: Near mint with light wear
• Dimensions: 33mm wide (excluding crown), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, signed LeCoultre, gold outer track, 18K gold applique faceted baton markers, restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.
• Hands: Original, gold, "batons"
• Movement type: High grade, Cal. 493 C/W, rhodium plated, decorated, 360 degree, birdirectional winding with switching rocker for switching winding direction, stacked design, monometallic balance, 17 jewels
• Movement markings: LeCoultre, Swiss, 17 Jewels, 493
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
• Band: Teju lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal: Acylic, specially selected to not obsure the outer track of the dial, mint condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has freshly cleaned and oiled the watch, disassembling it to its very last screw.
• Timing: Timed to precision 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. We have serviced/restored hundreds of vintage LeCoultre watches.
• 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
• 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