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LeCoultre Aristocrat "Grasshopper" Gold-Filled, 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

LeCoultre Aristocrat "Grasshopper" Gold-Filled, 1950s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre (maker)
Date
1950s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
gold-filled
Stock no.
LECAGH50
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (LECAGH50)
Catalogue title (original)
1950s LeCoultre Aristocrat "Grasshopper" Gold-Filled (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number LECAGH50), this is a wristwatch by Jaeger-LeCoultre, made in Switzerland, dated 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold-filled. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The LeCoultre Aristocrat “Grasshopper” is one of the brand’s most distinctive mid-century designs, defined by its sharply angled, sculptural lugs that inspired its playful nickname. The warm gold-filled case and minimalist dial capture the refined yet experimental spirit of 1950s watchmaking. Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre, the brand began by producing movement blanks for Switzerland’s most prestigious houses, including Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. Following its 1937 merger with Jaeger to form Jaeger-LeCoultre, the company continued to use the “LeCoultre” name for U.S.-market pieces until the 1980s—making examples like this Aristocrat a distinct chapter in the brand’s history. Elegant, characterful, and undeniably bold, the Aristocrat “Grasshopper” embodies LeCoultre’s creative design language and enduring craftsmanship. SPECS Stock # LECAGH50 Brand LeCoultre Style Aristocrat "Grasshopper" Model N/A Serial 42XXX Size Men's Material 10K Gold-Filled Dial Two-Tone Silver "Aged Millimeters 23 X 39 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The asymmetrical and unconventional 10K yellow gold filled case remains in excellent condition, showing evidence of being lightly polished in the past with only gentle wear present. The unsigned crown appears to be original to the watch. The case back retains its original finishing and factory engravings. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original two-tone dial has developed a warm patina over time, showing gentle wear consistent with age and resulting in an authentic, beautifully preserved vintage aesthetic. The original hands display minimal oxidation and are in great overall condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is functioning perfectly and keeping time; the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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