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, this watch made c. early on in World War II possesses advanced capabilities that track the date, day of the week, and month, earning it its place as a true "Triple Calendar".

Besides the precision of its movement, it's beauty makes it stand out. We have always felt this model is supremely elegant. Its case large for a dress watch from the era - 36mm in diameter, the same size as a Rolex Datejust, and its beautiful tear drop lugs make it 46mm long lug tip to tip. And its red miniture track really complements the red date hand and gives the watch color.

Our photos couldn't begin to do it justice.

It retains original parts down to all hands and even one of the tiny dial screws. The only replacement part is the second tiny dial screw

Its full size, attractive case presents in excellent condition with a crisp hallmark on the lug. Note that the tiny pin pricks of wear on the case back are only visible at a few angles so we worked to capture them in the photos. But when viewed from most angles they are difficult to see.

Its silver dial with its cut outs for displaying the month and day of the week in English, was previously professionally restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America. And its complicated Jaeger-LeCoultre movement is clean.

Despite what the photos seem to suggest the minute track is intact throughout the dial. The edges of the crystal just create distortion at certain angles.

Three of our team of Master Watchmakers spent over three years sympathetically restoring the movement to proper functioning with correct parts (a $2495 value). All functions work well. At the end of the mainspring's winding range that are at times a few soft clicks. We have timed it on a computerized system as well as on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn, and it is keeping time within approx. one second per hour.

The month of May lines up just slightly off-centered in the window as shown in the photographs. The rest of the months line up well.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a new Java lizard strap handmade in Italy making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a full one-year international warranty and a Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

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 that is listed on the webstore on our site.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Year built: c. 1941
• Serial no.: 132,571
• Model: Triple Date Calendar
• Case material: 14K gold
• Case markings (outside): Jaeger-LeCoultre case number 101,711P
• Case markings (inside): Gold hallmarks and LeCoultre pine tree hallmark
• Case condition: Excellent condition with light remnants of wear and only light signs of previous polishing. One lug has a few short scratches on the underside. There is a crisp hallmark on a lug.
• Dimensions: 36mm wide (excluding crown), 46mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, gold applique Arabic and faceted dart indexes, red outer date track, apertures for day, date, month, subdials in English, very well-restored previously in its lifetime. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored.
• Hands: Original, gold, dauphines, red tipped gold date hand
• Movement type: High-grade, manually wound, rectangular, cal. 451/A, rhodium finished, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, flat balance spring
• Movement markings: LeCoultre Co., Swiss, 451/A
• Band: Java lizard, handmade in Italy, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Three of our team of Master Watchmakers spent over three years sympathetically restoring the movement to proper functioning with correct parts (a $2495 value). All functions work well.
• Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have timed it on a computerized system as well as on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn, and it is keeping time within approx. one second per hour. 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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for some of the Richemont brands which include Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others.
• 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