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.

In 1935, Jaeger-LeCoultre released to the world its ref. 2701 double date calendar watch. We love this way of displaying the day and date. It is a display of wonderful precision and style that can be worn everyday.

While much ink is often spilled over the triple date watches, the rarer double date watches tend to fly more under the radar. The company only produced 6,600 examples of the base caliber 412 rectangular movement, only a fraction of which were worked into this double date version (caliber 412 59). Of those, most were made in steel with only a limited number being encased in gold.

But what makes this watch spectacular is besides all of its previously mentioned rarities, it is an exceedingly rare example branded Cartier and sold through the fine retailer. Our extensive web search could not turn up another Cartier branded example that has ever sold, although we are not suggesting that it is the only one in existence. For reference, our "normal" JLC signed steel version with aged original dial recently sold for $3200.

Its parts are fully original down to the case, dial, all hands, and even the winding crown. Besides its Cartier dial, which was restored in vintage times, it still retains its original Cartier stamped registration number on its case, confirming its authenticity.

Its case, which has never been polished, is just short of perfect mint. The back still retains crisp original factory brushing.

As mentioned is egg-shell dial with its cutout for displaying the day and outer track for the date was restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like a fresh restoration.

And its unusual, rectangular complicated Jaeger-LeCoultre movement is keeping accurate time.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is keeping very accurate time and all functions are working as they should.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Also included is a gently worn pig skin strap with original or period 14K gold buckle.

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

• Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: 1937 - the reference was introduced in 1935
• Serial no.: 84,770
• Model: Ref. 2701, Double Date Calendar
• Case material: 14K Gold
• Case markings (outside): Case number 44,883
• Case markings (inside): .585, LeCoultre, Swiss
• Case condition: Just short of perfect mint with a few hairlines. It has never been polished. The back still retains crisp original factory brushing.
• Dimensions: 30.5mm wide (excluding crown), 37mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Egg shell, gold painted Arabic indexes, outer railroad minute track, further outer red date track, aperture for the day of the week in English, subdial for the continuous seconds, restored in vintage times. Please inquire if you would like it freshly restored
• Hands: All original, gold "diamonds" with with red arrow-tipped silver date hand
• Movement type: High-grade, manually wound, rectangular, cal. 412-59, rhodium plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, flat balance spring
• Movement markings: LeCoultre Co., Swiss, 84770, 59, Seventeen 17 Jewels, Unadjusted
• Bands (2): 1. Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn 2. Nearly like new pigskin with original or period 14K gold buckle. We also stock a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• Crystal: Mineral glass, mint condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. All calendar functions work just as they should.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is keeping very accurate time.
• 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