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.

Serious connoisseurs will recognize the important wristwatch featured in today's offering as one of the rarest vintage shaped case dress models ever made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Named the "Hale", its distinctive style and drama are unrivaled, and it was one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's few made for the American market crafted out of 18K gold instead of 14K gold, attesting to its exclusive top-tier position in the company's luxury offerings.

From the strong black dial to the solid 18K gold case and high grade, hand-crafted movement, every piece about this special watch showcases the quality one would expect from the fine Swiss watchmaker.

It is fully LeCoultre down to all the hands and its orignal signed winding crown.

Its 18K gold avant garde case presents as better than near mint. As does its dial. Even its correct original mineral glass crystal is in excellent condition. And its high-grade movement is running strong.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a Java lizard strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

In thirteen years of buying special LeCoultre's this is only the second Hale we have had - don't miss the opportunity to own a fine and very rare LeCoultre before it slips into someone's prized collection.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1951
• Serial no.: 731,149
• Model: The "Hale", made for the American market
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Solid 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): 18K GOLD
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed by LeCoultre
• Case condition: Better than near mint
• Dial: Gloss black, signed LeCoultre, gold outer track, sunken seconds dial, gold applique baton markers, presents as just short of mint
• Dimensions: 33.5mm wide (excluding crown), 46mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Hands: Original, gold, "batons"
• Movement type: Cal. 480 C/W, high quality, rhodium plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, monometallic balance, index regulator
• Movement markings: LeCoultre, Swiss, 480/CW, Seventeen Jewels
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
• Band: Genuine Teju lizard skin, high quality, fully stitched for greater durability
• Band condition: Brand new and unused
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• Crystal : Original, mineral glass, excellent condition
• 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; 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