In the 1950s and 1960s, small ladies’ ‘cocktail’ watches were all the rage.

These timepieces — thin, and often in precious metals with matching bracelets — were unobtrusive and elegant, with diminutive dials and mechanical movements whose small size is notable even today. (The famed Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 is still the world’s smallest mechanical movement, and has held this distinction since 1929.) Though no longer widely produced, this type of ladies’ timepiece remains the perfect accessory to a cocktail dress or evening gown.

This particular cocktail watch is from La Grand Maison itself, Jaeger-LeCoultre. Housed in a 15mm 14K white gold case with an acrylic crystal, an unsigned crown, and a diamond-encrusted bezel, it features a brushed silver dial with painted black ‘Breguet’ indices and a matching, black ‘sword’ handset. Signed ‘LeCoultre’ — rather than ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ — we can be fairly certain that this elegant piece was retailed in the American market. 

Powered by the famed hand-wound Calibre 101 and accompanied by a green LeCoultre box, this 1960s gem is paired to a beautiful 14K white gold, integrated 'mesh' bracelet with a safety clasp.

Unobtrusive and handsome, it’s as appropriate for today’s formal occasions as it was during the Mad Men era!