Jaeger and LeCoultre

"We must base our experience on science."

LeCoultre

Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre after he invented the Millionomètre. At the time the most precise measuring machine. In this workshop he made watchmaking tools and developed the skills and technique which he used to take watchmaking to the next level.  He invented en developed the mechanism which made it no longer necessary to set and wind a watch with a key. But devised a solution to set the different functions with a pushbutton. User-friendliness wasn’t taken in consideration in the beginning of watch making and LeCoultre as many other brands invented many different ways to improve this.

The birth of Jaeger LeCoultre

Eli LeCoultre and Antoine LeCoultre are both responsible for numerous historical moments in the history of the company. Together they founded the first “manufacture” in Joux Valley which later was used to develop and produce the ultra-thin calibres for Edmond Jaeger. Aside from these ultra-thin calibres they produced various highly complicated movements making further name for themselves.

(Edmond Jaeger)

In 1903 Jacques-David LeCoultre was given the challenge to produce these ultra-thin calibres for Edmond Jaeger. The friendship that emerged from this collaboration was the beginning of the brand Jaeger-LeCoultre. Which was officially founded in 1937. Around the time the Reverso was invented. Since 2000 Jaeger-LeCoultre is part of the Richemond Group.

No shortage of Icons

 Jaeger-LeCoultre has made quite an admirable collection of watches over the years. But the sheer number of different models, complications and options between the models is impressive. So therefore we will go thru “some” of the models.

Atmos (1928)

A standing clock that works with the purest form of perpetual motion. Receiving its energy from minor difference in temperature. Invented by Jean-léon Reutter and perfected by Jaeger-LeCoultre. 

Reverso (1931)

Icon from Jaeger-LeCoultre made for the Polo players. It makes use of a reversible mechanism to turn the watch around and protecting the glass. Aside from the basic collection it is also made with different complications and dials on both side i.e. this rare Rosegold Chronograph.

Memovox (1950)

In Latin “Voice of Memory”.  It features an Alarm function that can be set to a specific moment in time. It was a perfect invention for the time. So people could organise the hustle and bustle of their busy and hectic life. Later they produced different types of Memovox watches. The Memovox Deepsea in 1959 was the first diving watch fitted with the alarm.

Master Mariner (1967)

The Master Mariner was made for aquatic use. And was the beginning of the Super Compressor case. The Memovox Polaris is the most well-known diving watch from Jaeger-LeCoultre. It is fitted with the triple back ensuring better sound from the alarm. 

Geographique (1990)

One of the more modern Icons from Jaeger-LeCoultre are the Geographic models. Again, and even after a 160 years still improving user-friendliness with an easy way to read different time zones. You select the city or time zone and the time automatically changes to the corresponding time on a second dial. 

Amvox (2004)

Aside from mingling with the Equestrian sports and Cinema. Jaeger-LeCoultre has a healthy and strong partnership with Aston Martin. Both companies share similarities and cater to the same clientele. They improve constantly and take great care insuring to be innovative with materials and design. The A and M from Aston Martin combined with VOX is  wink to the Memovox since the first Amvox was fitted with this same type of alarm.

Haute Horlogerie   

These are the watches were imagination and science are taken to the next level. From exceptional complications to the finest materials such as platinum and diamonds. It seems that there are no limits when making these pieces. Altogether a very interesting  brand that deserves to be admired!    

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