Built for less than three years from 1952-1954 the unusual and uncommon LeCoultre calendar date models made for the U.S. market possess a special characteristic: an unusual calendar feature activated through a "hidden" button located in the crown.
What set these watches apart from plain calendars is the uniqueness of its date operation, special both in form and function, and a feature we've always adored. Rather than simply possessing a date hand or small date window somewhere on the dial (face), the watch features a marker rotating on a disk that points to the appropriate date, a much more elegant and non-ordinary arrangement than had been previously utilized.
Before the traditional quick-setting date had been invented, this watch had the best design in our opinion. Instead of needing to make the appropriate number of rotations with the hands or manipulate a pin-sized corrector button, you simply press a button conveniently built into the winding crown. With each push the date advances one day.
The case features distinctive "bullhorn" lugs in line with the era's design sensibility that brought the U.S. the '57 Chevy and the '59 Cadillac fin. And the calendar is done in a pleasing blue.
We are pleased to offer the watch with all original parts. It is fully LeCoultre down to the signed LeCoultre band and signed buckle.
Its case is better than near mint with only light wear and has not been recently polished. Its faceted lugs retain strong lines.
Its untouched original dial is honest with moderate toning and crazing of the original top lacquer coating more pronounced around the periphery. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It is keeping time on par with a new watch in our testing position.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Note: A published example of a similar watch can be found in Jaeger-LeCoultre: A Guide for the Collector, Basha, 2008, pg. 57.
- Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
- Serial no.: 967,319
- Year built: c. 1954
- Model: Calendar date, Cal. 810/AW
- Case material: 14K gold
- Case markings (outside): 14K
- Case markings (inside): Cased and timed in the U.S.A. by LeCoultre, 14K
- Case condition: Near mint with only light wear and has not been recently polished. Its faceted lugs retain strong lines.
- Dimensions: 30.5mm wide, 39.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Signed LeCoultre, outer date track in blue, silver with inner disk with triangular date pointer, gold dart applique markers, original and untouched in honest condition with moderate toning and crazing of the original top lacquer coating more pronounced around the periphery. Please inquire if you would like it restored.
- Hands: Original, gold, 'epees'
- Crown: Original, rare and inventive, integrated push button set flush with the end advances the date marker forward one day with each push
- Movement type: Caliber 810/AW, manually wound, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, special date, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat hairspring, power reserve of approximately 40 hours
- Movement markings: LeCoultre, 810/AW, Swiss, Seventeen Jewels
- Band: Signed LeCoultre, Teju skin or grain, original or period correct, equipped with original signed LeCoultre buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors if you would like to preserve the LeCoultre strap. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, one of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is keeping time on par with a new watch in our testing position. 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 [email protected] 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
