Long ago Jaeger-LeCoultre built their reputation as masters of watch design. In vintage times the company carried on the tradition and crafted certain very distinctive watches for the less restrained American market. Such is the case with the wristwatch showcased in today's auction, an early example of one of the desirable U.S. market dress models made by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Officially named the Aristocrat, the uncommon watch is more commonly known among collectors as the "Grasshopper" and possesses elegant drama in spades.

The parts of the watch are original down to the dial, hands, and crown, which is correctly unsigned.

The case is in beautiful condition with no gold wear through, which is quite rare for this model.

The striking two-tone dial which has different textures on the top and bottom halves was restored in vintage times. The two-tone effect shows up stronger in person than it does in the photos.

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.

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland, made for the U.S. market
• Serial no.: 585,091
• Year built: c. 1949
• Model: "Aristocrat"
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 10K gold-filled
• Case markings (outside): 10K Gold Filled
• Case markings (inside): Cased and Timed in U.S.A by LeCoultre, 10K gold filled, 3769
• Case condition: Just short of mint with no gold wear through, which is quite rare for this model.
• Dimensions: 26.5mm wide at its widest point, 39mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Two-tone silver with gold applique dart and dot markers, subsidiary seconds, clean and bright, restored in vintage times
• Hands: Original, gold, epees
• Movement type: High grade, Cal. 438 4C/W, rhodium plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, monometallic balance, 17 jewels
• Movement markings: LeCoultre Co., Swiss, Seventeen Jewels, Unadjusted, 438/4CW
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Crystal: Mineral glass, mint condition
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email [email protected] for details. 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.
• 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