The Laings Journal
Jaeger-LeCoultre have earned the title “The Watchmaker of Watchmakers” and are at the very centre of the watchmaking world. Today we take a closer look at what makes a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch so special…
The History
Mr LeCoultre began his journey to precision when he found tranquillity within the Vallée de Joux forest in Switzerland. In this serene setting he found the peace which allowed him to perform the intricate art of bringing watches to life, marrying the different parts together and building a complete movement.
He had a vision and wanted to do something different – not only to build movements, but to perfect them. Nestled in the Jura Mountains LeCoultre honed his craft and focused on the art of watchmaking. He established a factory in this tranquil setting and began a building high-end, complicated timepieces, a tradition that is carried on today with the exact same backdrop.
By 1903, LeCoultre was already well-established with their superior watch calibres, whilst Jaeger, a Parisian watchmaker, was known for his sophisticated designs. Aiming to produce the world’s thinnest pocket watch, Jaeger and LeCoultre combined forces, becoming the luxury Swiss watch brand that we know today.
An Appreciation of Art
Determined to achieve excellence, Jaeger-LeCoultre strongly believes that the even the finest details should not be overlooked. Their watches have a subtle impact and a refined feel to them. Each timepiece has a touch of difference and the brand champions fading artistry, including enamelling and guilloché .
Both techniques are completed by hand, with only very few craftsmen able to perform to the exacting standards of Jaeger-LeCoultre. The watch-house has also worked to preserve these skills, bringing the masters of the craft in-house so that this rare art form can be continued.
The key to the elegant techniques is utmost precision, extreme concentration and unlimited patience. What is created is something that is simply beautiful and extremely rare.
Demonstrating Precision
Jaeger-LeCoultre aim to constantly perfect their technology and continuously look to push boundaries to make even better timepieces.
Very frequently in the watch world, people look at COSC certification (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) for great precision in timepieces. These COSC certified watches are tested for a total of 15 days. However, Jaeger-LeCoultre do their own testing which is even more stringent, ensuring that their watches go above and beyond. Their creations are tested for a total of 1,000 hours (41.66 days) before leaving the factory. The reliability and accuracy of a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece simply can’t be disputed.
The Iconic Reverso
The Reverso was originally designed in 1931 for polo players who were looking for a way to protect their watches whilst playing. The spinning dial did just that and the timepiece quickly became an icon.
This rotating case is what makes it such an interesting watch to own. It's customisable, with two dial faces or a space to add your own engravings. As well as the special rotating dial it’s also the iconic shape of the Reverso that makes this a truly unique design. The rectangular design evokes an Art Deco aesthetic and the elegant, straight lines make it a watch that is instantly recognisable.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Jaeger-LeCoultre. Follow our latest news on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest, or if you have any questions please pop us an email at [email protected].
Laings xXx