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Jaeger-LeCoultre Australia

Interviews

In Conversation with Lionel Favre, Product Design Director, Jaeger-LeCoultre

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

“This year we launched the Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 that we nicknamed the Quadriptyque. This is because it has 11 complications on 4 faces. You have a perpetual calendar and minute repeater on the case and what creates all the amazement is the Lunar cycle indications – with lunar cycles of the phases of the moon which is called synodic cycles. We also incorporated two additional cycles which are less known but very beautiful and emotional which is the height of the moon to see where the moon is in reference to the Earth. The draconic cycle is basically the intersection of the moon into the axis between the Earth and Sun, so when the moon is in between Earth and Sun you can create an eclipse. We featured all these cycles on this timepiece, therefore creating what we think is one of the most complicated Reverso’s and Luna Cycle’s ever. We wanted to showcase the complications in a realistic way, so just like you see them in a planetarium, and this was possible by our watchmakers and designers and craftsmen”, Lionel Favre, Product Design Director, Jaeger-LeCoultre

The Quadriptyque takes us back to 1989, when Patek Phillipe introduced the most world’s most complicated timepiece – the Caliber 89 pocket watch. But that was a pocket watch! How challenging was it to bring together 11 complications and still keep the Reverso to a wearable size. What were some of the challenges considering the constraints of the proportions of a Reverso case?

2021 marks the 90th Anniversary of the Reverso. It is the signature collection of Jaeger-LeCoultre. And so we decided to work on the many facets of the Reverso including the Grand Complications. We wanted to showcase all our savoire-fair in the Reverso.

Proportions are very important in the Reverso because as you know the Reverso is a Golden Ratio Proportion and the Quadriptyque is born on the basis on the Triptyque we did in 2006 and we wanted to do better so that’s why we decided to respect the Golden Ratio. It was challenging because there were a lot of complications involved. Challenging for the designers yes, but more so for the watchmakers. The thickness of the case was another factor – The target was to create a watch really wearable. We did not want to create a watch for a museum but something that will be worn by our clients. It’s a 15mm watch – similar to the Polaris in terms of thickness but with 11 complications and 4 faces – so it was very challenging.

Placing the Grande Date next to the flying tourbillon must have been quite a challenge. What are some of the other patents in the Quadriptyque?

The Quadriptyque has 12 patents. 3 of which are new. The first one pertains to the Grande date. We created one of the smallest mechanisms to run the Grande Date. The other patents are on the minute repeater. Sound is very important to Jaeger-LeCoultre and we have been doing Minute repeaters since 1870. I believe we have made more minute repeaters than any watch maison out there. We have the Trebuchet hammers that chime beautifully. We have patents on the gongs – the way we tune them. We attached the gongs to the sapphire crystal. The major innovation in this minute repeater is that we have completely cancelled the gap time, so if you have a silent minute repeater you have a very long gap when there is no quarter for example between hours and minutes. All thanks to two patents we have been successful in completely erasing those gaps.

Another first for the Reverso is the semi-jumping digital hour indication on the Tribute Nonantième, an entirely new, manually wound calibre 826. Talk us through this.

Complications first made their appearance in 1991 in Reverso’s. Before that it was a time only watch. 1991 marked the 60th anniversary of Reverso and it was at that time we created the Reverso Soixantième. Since then we have tried to celebrate our anniversaries with various interpretations featuring incredible complications.

This year we wanted to feature another way of reading time, that is, on the back of the watch. We wanted to reinvent the digital hour complication. The Nonantième showcases the digital hours and minutes with a night and day indication. We chose this complication because we wanted something very consistent with the universe of Reverso and this complication was famous in the 30’s because of its level of purity. It was the perfect fit. Aesthetically it is interesting because you conserve large surfaces of polished metal, so it works very well.

From an industry perspective, there was a recent announcement by a brand, where they successfully converted an entire escapement system into a singular component, using new-age metallurgy. Your thoughts?

Jaeger-LeCoultre being a 188-year-old maison and being created on the idea of innovations – we are all in for continuing to push boundaries of fine watchmaking. That being said watchmaking should remain mechanical in a way and so we are looking for more mechanical ways to improve our watches, precision and also durability, so the watch can last forever and can always have interchangeable parts. Antoine LeCoultre, our founder received many medals for his capacity to create watches whose parts can be easily repaired or replaced, which was very important at the time and still is. And so we are looking into this as opposed to replacing an entire movement with one single part. We are looking into ways of refining the way mechanical watches can perform than just simplifying it. Watchmaking is also about how to create a beautiful movement. It is not just engineering but also beautiful mechanics and we try with our watchmakers to design the mechanics. Everything is done for its beauty. The choice of a colour of a screw for example, is decided for its relevance and beauty.

What is the future of traditional watchmaking, in an era where technology is ever evolving, especially over the last decade?

Personally, I am convinced that watches created with a lot of know-how and skills are real vectors of emotion. I am sure that this is the future of watchmaking. We need to convince our customers with a lot of emotion in our product.

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INTRODUCING: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duetto Medium

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

There are very few automatic Reversos made. From its origin in the 1930’s, they were housed with a hand-winding mechanical movement, within the flip-over case, designed with a solid metal case-back that would protect the glass of the watch when it was worn to play sports. The 90’s changed that, with the double dial concept that was reconceived with the Reverso Duetto. For 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces a new interpretation of one its most admired models, the Reverso Duetto Medium, fitted with an automatic mechanical movement, the cal. 968A.

Hit this link to read the entire review by our friends at thehourmarkers.com

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INTRODUCING: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

2021 is a special year for Jaeger-LeCoultre as it celebrates the 90th Anniversary of an icon – The Reverso. Over the years, we’ve seen numerous iterations of the Reverso – some highly complex, some highly arty. Up until the early 90’s, the Reverso remained a simple, time-only watch. It was only in 1991 (Post the quartz crisis and the during the complicated watchmaking boom), Jaeger-LeCoultre started incorporating  mechanical complications into the Reverso – starting with the Reverso Soixantième.  This watch featured a power reserve and date display and was the first with a sapphire crystal caseback. Although the Reverso case and its shaped movement had not initially been designed for complications, the Soixantième revealed its full potential, unleashing a sequence of pieces that gave new visual expression to the great watchmaking complications. The Soixantième was followed by the Reverso Tourbillon in 1993 – the Manufacture’s first wristwatch tourbillon. In 1994, Jaeger-LeCoultre debuted the Reverso Répétition Minutes – the first time the Maison had miniaturised a minute repeater for a wristwatch, and the world’s first rectangular minute repeater movement. In 1996, La Grande Maison introduced the Reverso Chronographe Rétrograde, with an intricate display on the reverse side that solved the problem of how to arrange the chronograph counters within a rectangular frame. This was followed two years later by the Reverso Géographique and, coinciding with the Millennium, the Reverso Quantième Perpétuel. In 2001, Jaeger-LeCoultre marked the completion of another decade in the Reverso story with the Septantième. Its movement, Calibre 879, offered an 8-day power reserve – almost unheard-of at the time. And now, nine decades after the Reverso was born, La Grande Maison introduces a new alliance of complications.

Today, nine decades after the Reverso was born, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents the Reverso Tribute Nonantième: a timepiece which gives a completely new visual expression to an alliance of several classical complications. The watch is presented in a gorgeous pink gold case measuring 49.4 x 29.9 mm. It is powered by an entirely new in-house calibre – Calibre 826, contains 230 parts and can last up to 42 hours when fully wound. The silver sunray-brushed dial is contrasted perfectly by the pink gold case along with striking applied golden indexes and Dauphine hands. On the upper half of the dial, just below 12 o’clock there is a large date display, framed by an applied filet of pink gold that echoes the rectangular shape of the dial and case, while the lower half of the dial, features a moonphase display – set within a circle formed by the small seconds counter.

As you flip the watch over, an entirely new visual expression of some of watchmaking’s most familiar complications take centre stage. The solid pink-gold caseback is dominated by two round apertures of different sizes, arranged like a figure-eight and encircled by gadroons that echo the rectilinear gadroons on the upper and lower edges of the case. Here, the small upper aperture displays a semi-jumping digital hour indication. Seen for the first time in a Reverso, this complication recalls digital displays developed by the Manufacture for wristwatches in the 1930s. The large aperture on the other hand which sits below the hour, minutes, is displayed on a rotating disc that is partially concealed by a three-quarter plate lacquered in vivid blue – in the Atelier des Métiers Rares®  – and sprinkled with tiny golden stars to depict the night sky. Within a small circle at the centre, an applied golden sun and moon, pass above a horizon, to indicate night and day. In the semi-circle below the horizon, a JL logo is set on a sunray-pattern background.

Limited to 190 pieces, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième is worn on a black alligator strap that goes exceptionally well with the rest of the watch and is available exclusively at Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques.

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Watches & Wonders 2021: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers – Pink Arums, White Lilies, Purple Arums, Blue Arums

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

2021 marks the 90th Anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most iconic / admired timepiece – the Reverso. It was the double-sided case of the Reverso followed by the case’s height-to-width ratio (Known to many as the “golden ratio”) that opened endless possibilities for artisans of the Grande Maison’s Métiers Rares® (Rare Handcrafts™) workshop to unleash their skills in the art of decoration. Over the years we’ve seen countless versions of the Reverso but the basic structure remains unaltered.

For 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing four sparkling new Reverso One models inspired by the decorative jewels worn in the 1920’s – Two in white gold and two in pink gold – all celebrating the poetry of flowers through multiple artistic crafts – enamelling, engraving and gem-setting work – in a remarkable collaboration between highly skilled artisans who are at the peak of their powers. Limited to 10 pieces, each and every one of these miniature works of art is subtly different – their fine detailing and nuanced colour palettes the product of each artisan’s particular gestures, expressing their passion and personality, as well as their remarkable skill. When working on such complex and collaborative projects, the artisans’ work must follow a strict order: engraving first, then enamelling – which requires multiple coats of enamel pigment to add richness, nuance and visual depth. After each coat is applied, the enamel must be fired to set the colour – an exacting process that takes many days. To complete the piece, the background is decorated with lacquer or mother-of-pearl, or is set with diamonds – according to the model.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies is presented in a 40mm x 20mm white gold case. It is  complemented by the glow of a white mother-of-pearl dial, golden brackets that define the four corners of the dial and graceful black Arabic numerals. Livening things up are the grain-set diamonds that embellish the entire case, followed by a winding crown that is adorned with a reverse-set diamond. The Flip side of the case is where all the magic unfolds. It has been relief-engraved – a process where the background metal is sculpted away, leaving only the raised outlines of the floral design. Each of the blooms is entirely hand-engraved, replicating the texture of lily petals in fine detail. Contrasting with the cool tones of the white gold, the leaves are enamelled in a rich blue and the stamens in light blue. Finally, to create the sky-blue daytime like background, tissue-fine wafers of mother-of-pearl are cut to the exact shape then laid in place. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies is worn on a shiny blue alligator strap.

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers White Lilies Caseback

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums

This incredibly gorgeous timepiece, just like the name suggests, celebrates the ethereal Pink Arum Flower. The dial is made from white mother-of-pearl, while the case has been crafted from pink gold. Golden brackets define the four corners of the dial while the black Arabic numerals add an elegant touch. The case back features a black lacquered background which works exceptionally well with the blooms which are enamelled in graduated shades of pink and the foliage which is fully set with diamonds. The winding crown is adorned with a reverse-set diamond, and grain-set diamonds embellish the entire case, wrapping seamlessly from front to back. Limited to 10 pieces, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums is presented on a shiny pink alligator leather strap.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Pink Arums Caseback

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums are two fully diamond set models presented in a pink gold case with a shiny green alligator strap and white gold case with a shiny blue alligator strap respectively. On these two watches, the flowers and leaves are all enamelled, and the entire background is snow-set with diamonds – an exacting technique that requires approximately one hour to set just five or six stones. Altogether, the gem-setting on these pieces requires a total of 95 hours. You’d think that so many diamonds on the watch would look too ostentatious, but somehow it still manages to look dainty and pretty. The floral design wraps seamlessly around the case-sides, from the back to the bezel, involving curves and angles that add a high degree of complexity to the artisans’ work.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Purple Arums Caseback

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers Blue Arums Caseback

 

At the heart of these models is a hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 rectangular shaped movement developed especially for the Reverso offering a power reserve of 38 hours.

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Watches & Wonders 2021: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds Green

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic Reverso has a rich and fascinating history. It was created in the year 1931, specifically for mounted polo players (British army officers stationed in India to be precise) to wear during their matches. The ingenious swivelling reversible case brought the watch’s solid steel caseback to the front and hid the dial side underneath – all to address one and only one problem – to protect the glass on the dial side from breaking – from swinging polo mallets during Polo Matches. Fast forward 90 years, so much has changed, but what stuck around was the timeless design of the Reverso. to protect the glass from swinging polo mallets while playing.

For Watches & Wonders 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds Green with an arresting green sunray-brushed lacquer dial. On it are all of the signature design elements of the Reverso Tribute: the hours are marked by applied indexes rather than numerals. Their faceted shape echoes the form of the Dauphine hands and adds visual depth to the lacquered surface. The small seconds at six o’clock brings perfect balance to the aesthetic appearance of the watch.

Housed within the 45.6mm x 27.4mm stainless steel case is the manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 822/2 that provides a power reserve of 42 hours. In keeping with Reverso tradition, the solid metal back of the reversible case is an ideal canvas for personalisation with a motif or engraving. The owner can choose to keep this personalisation hidden, as a private pleasure, or to turn the case over, so that the back becomes the front.

Paying homage to its polo heritage, the watch is fashioned with a green calf leather strap from Casa Fagliano, a renowned equestrian footwear and saddlery manufacturer from Argentina.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

REVERSO TRIBUTE SMALL SECONDS

Case material: Steel

Case dimensions: 45.6 x 27.4 mm

Thickness: 8.5mm

Movement: Manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822/2

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds

Power reserve: 42 hours

Water resistance: 30 metres

Case back: closed

Strap: Green calf

Reference: Q3978430

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Stories Of Time

Jaeger-LeCoultre And It’s Distinguished Musical Legacy

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Credit: thehourmarkers.com

The French call it zhay-zhay-LeCoultre, some pronounce it Yaeger-LeCoultre and many just try and keep it simple by calling it JLC. Well, call it what you may, but before Jaeger-LeCoultre became an iconic luxury watch manufacture, it was simply a one man show, namely Antoine LeCoultre and his little workshop near the famous Jura mountains.

Here’s an interesting fact though. Before this innovative and self-taught watchmaker turned to watchmaking, he and his father invented a new type of ‘keyboard’ for mechanical music boxes. Cut from a single piece of metal and shaped like a comb (peigne in French), it improved the quality of the sound, and prevented the instrument from detuning. Variations of this device became standard for almost all music boxes. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Heritage Collection features an early example from the 1820s, fitted with a LeCoultre ‘Peigne’ mechanism and set in a finely decorated tortoise-shell box.

HERITAGE MUSIC BOX

Soon after finally being established in 1833, the LeCoultre atelier was recognised for its complicated watch movements, incorporating calendars, chronographs and chiming mechanisms. However, for Jaeger-LeCoultre, chiming watches have always held a special significance in the Maison’s portfolio of complicated timepieces.

From their first minute repeater in 1870 Jaeger-LeCoultre then went on to mastering all forms of chiming mechanism, from relatively simple alarm calibres to the most complex of all – the grande sonnerie and Westminster chimes. Producing no less than 200 chiming watch calibres, including more than 100 minute repeaters before the 1900, the Manufacture’s constant quest to improve both timekeeping accuracy and sound quality has resulted in multiple patents and countless innovations. In fact, until the mid-20th century, Jaeger-LeCoultre supplied chiming movements to a plethora of reputed Swiss watch manufacturers.

1880 saw the introduction of the LeCoultre Calibre 19/20 RMS, a Minute Repeater with Three Hammers, rather than the standard two hammers and gongs. Thanks to the third hammer, it created a unique melody, with a distinctive three-note chime for the quarters.

MINUTE REPEATER WITH THREE HAMMERS

 

In 1895, Jaeger-LeCoultre invented and patented the silent strike-governor, also known as the silent regulator that eliminated the background buzz characteristic of traditional regulators, thus producing a clearer chime. Different versions of that invention have since become an industry standard in chiming watches. Among the examples in the Heritage Collection is a 1914 pocket watch powered by Calibre 19 IMCCV, which unites a mono-pusher chronograph and a minute repeater.

SILENT REGULATOR

 

Here are a few fun facts. Did you know that “Crystal gongs”, soldered to the dial of the watch produce a louder and clearer sound. “Square” gongs on the other hand, have a flat surface hence have a more powerful strike. Then there are the “Duplex” gongs that are circular and then get further divided into two semi circles around the movement that then increases the resonance in return.

CATHEDRAL GONGS

 

As the Maison broadened its expertise, watchmakers also incorporated automata into chiming watches. The best-loved of these were jacquemarts – human figures with articulated limbs, set on the watch dial. Animated by the watch movement to coincide with the striking of time, they provide a visual representation of the chime. The intricate dial of an early 1890s Jacquemart Pocket Watch by LeCoultre, features a pair of jacquemarts in a romantic scene, decorated with enamel and engraving.

JACQUEMART POCKET WATCH

 

In the early 20th century, Jaeger-LeCoultre was one of the few Manufactures to master triple-complication watch movements. For the 1910 Minute Repeater Triple Complication, LeCoultre Calibre 19/20IMCSQ brought together a minute repeater, a chronograph and a perpetual calendar in a classical hunter-style case.

MINUTE REPEATER TRIPLE COMPLICATION

 

In a 1928 Lépine-style pocket watch, LeCoultre Calibre 17JSMCCRVQ combined a minute repeater with a perpetual calendar and a chronograph, providing a magnificent canvas for the crafts of skeletonisation, enamelling and engraving. Lépine refers to a style of watch movement architecture developed in the 1760s by the French watchmaker Jean-Antoine Lépine, who made calibres thinner.

LEPINE GRANDE COMPLICATION

 

MEMOVOX

Moving on from their mastery of chiming watches, somewhere around the mid 20th Century, Jaeger-LeCoultre starting developing alarm watches. Contrary to the bell-like chime of a minute repeater, in this chiming calibre, the extremely rapid strikes of the hammer create a continuous single-pitch sound. Voila, the birth of the Memovox, a name that translates to ‘voice of the memory’ in Latin.

In 1950, the Maison introduced the classically understated first Memovox watch ever: Calibre 489. It was a classic watch indeed with a triangular pointer on a mobile central disc that indicated the alarm time on the dial. Quite simple actually. The two crowns on the Calire 489 – one for winding and time-setting and the other to set the alarm – were set close to the case-sides.

FIRST MEMOVOX WATCH EVER

 

A decade after launching its first automatic wristwatch movement in 1946, the Manufacture launched their first automatic alarm movement, Calibre 815. The oscillating weight was fixed at the centre of the movement, its swings limited by two bumpers, equipped with tiny shock-absorbing springs.

In 1958, the Memovox Calibre 814 saw two new variations : the Memovox International that incorporated a 24-hour world time display on the dial’s inner disc and the Memovox Parking that was designed to help motorists avoid fines for exceeding the pre-paid time on their parking meters by buzzing when the allotted time expired. Pretty cool right?

MEMOVOX PARKING & MEMOVOX WORLDTIME

 

From world timers to parking alarms, in 1959 Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the world’s first diving watch with an alarm, the Memovox Deep Sea (Cal. 815). To enhance underwater safety, the alarm sound provided an acoustic signal and the vibration of the watch a tactile reminder of the elapsed diving time.

MEMOVOX DEEP SEA (CAL. 815)

 

To further enhance the diving functionality of the alarm watch, now with a date display, the Memovox Polaris (Cal. 825) made its way to the musical world of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Ensuring water resistance to 200 metres, with a rotating inner bezel that provided a visual indication of elapsed dive time, and a super-compressor case with a triple-layered caseback, the alarm sound on this watch was further amplified when submerged.

MEMOVOX POLARIS (CAL. 825)

 

In 1970 the Memovox Speedbeat introduced Calibre 916, the first of a new generation of higher-frequency automatic movements by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Increasing the balance-wheel frequency to 28,800 vph made the movement more stable and thus more accurate. A new automatic winding system introduced an oscillating weight that turned 360 degrees around its axis to wind the mainspring.

Fitted with Calibre 918, the Master Réveil was introduced in 1994. In this new alarm mechanism, the hammer struck a gong rather than striking directly on the case, as it had done previously. The result was the distinctive ‘school bell’ sound that has remained the signature of Memovox to this day. The Master Réveil was also the first Memovox to undergo the demanding 1,000 Hours Test, which is recognised as one of the most stringent in-house quality control protocols in the watchmaking industry.

THE MASTER RÉVEIL

 

My personal favourite sound of Jaeger-LeCoultre has got to be that sweet sweet sound of the longest melody ever achieved in a watch, the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpetual that the manufacture introduced in 2019. A bi-axil Gyrotourbillon with a constant-force mechanism, the Westminster minute repeater that replicates the sound of the Big Ben and a perpetual calendar, now that’s some exquisite watchmaking right there, haute horlogerie as the French call it.. Silence is golden they say and under most circumstances I would agree, but when you are presented with art of this calibre, I’d choose the sound of music!

The Manufacture’s constant evolution of its chiming watch repertoire epitomises the deep respect for tradition and constant quest for innovation that have driven La Grande Maison throughout its 187-year history. Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are a culmination of exquisite craftsmanship, innovation and tradition. From making horological history by producing the first ever instrument to measure the micron to introducing the worlds thinnest movement ( calibre 101), some may wonder why this historic manufacture from Le Sentier is not a part of the conventional “holy trinity”

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Events

Jaeger-LeCoultre Celebrates The Opening Of Its New Melbourne Boutique Followed By A World-first Virtual Boutique Experience

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Jaeger-Lecoultre is back & ready to embrace a new normal. Today, the Luxury Swiss Watchmaker has announced the official opening of its first Melbourne boutique, located at the Parisian end of the city’s iconic Collins Street – 86 Collins Street, Melbourne.

The new Melbourne boutique plays host to the Maison’s first virtual boutique, a concept that ties in with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s narrative and identity as an ‘always on’ brand. With this new concept, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the boutique virtually or have a guided tour by a Jaeger-LeCoultre specialist from the comfort of their own home.

(Click here to explore the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Melbourne Boutique Virtually)

“We are delighted to extend the presence of Jaeger-LeCoultre in Australia with our first boutique in Melbourne. From the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland to the Australian landscapes, Jaeger-LeCoultre feels a strong connection with the local communities and lifestyle; a balance of style, nature and creativity.” Catherine Rénier – CEO, Jaeger-LeCoultre.

“Marking a significant milestone for the Maison, we are delighted to open our first Melbourne boutique and world-first Jaeger-LeCoultre virtual boutique, offering clients an exclusive experience and welcoming them to the home of fine watchmaking.” adds Justin Devaux – Country Manager – Australia & New Zealand.

Captivating from the exteriors itself, the 50sqm Melbourne boutique has all the elements that reflect the grandeur of a brand of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s calibre. A lot of the décor inside the boutique have been imported from exquisite locations, lending an elegant yet restraint look, just like the Grande Maison’s timepieces.

Taking centre stage are some of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s finest complications, icons and core models. The remarkable and newly imagined Master Control Collection offers emblematic complications, including a time-and-date automatic and a triple-display calendar with a moon-phase. Designers have harnessed and modernised the Maison’s classical design codes to create a refined yet entirely contemporary aesthetic that highlights the collection’s complications.

Highlighting its expertise in chiming watches, 2020 also saw Jaeger-LeCoultre reinterpret its Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication with a magnificent new design. As the latest addition to this series, the new Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication combines two of horology’s most romantic yet technically challenging complications, a minute repeater and a sidereal calendar display. The complex mechanism is further elevated by an orbital flying tourbillon, and the new design reaffirms Jaeger-LeCoultre’s mastery of the artistic crafts.

The Grande Maison’s latest release inspired by the iconic 1968 Memovox Polaris is designed to accompany the urban adventurer in all circumstaces. The two timepieces of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection exude a sporting character that bears the signature elegance of the Grande Maison.

In addition to welcoming the clients with the latest collections, Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to provide the best in class services with the Care program, deploying a never before offered dedicated digital platform, highly personalised with value-added information and services as well as an up to 8-year International Limited Warranty across all clocks and watches.

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INTRODUCING: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Collection

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Polaris Collection needs no introduction. It is one of the most recognisable timepieces in the market. This year the Grande Maison pays homage to its distinguished diving watch legacy and century of expertise in chiming watches with the launch of the new Polaris Mariner Memovox and Polaris Mariner Date – both fully ISO 6425-compliant divers and part of the new Polaris Mariner Collection.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Memovox

A contemporary styled alarm-plus-date watch, inspired by the first Memovox alarm watches of the 1950s, which was a cult piece even back then, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Memovox  is a pleasant blend of traditional and contemporary watchmaking.

This watch is rather beautiful in its own way, with a unique 42mm case that features key design codes of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris cases with their taut lines, glass-box crystals, and dynamic mix of brushed and polished surfaces. With a water resistance of 300m, you know that this watch isn’t playing around when it comes to under water matters. Furthermore, the crown used to set the notched inner-bezel is screwed-down to avoid any unintentional movement, with the addition of an orange security band to warn divers when it is not fully screwed down.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Memovox retains the signature three-crown configuration of the earliest Memovox diving watches. The crown on the top controls the alarm, turning the central disc of the dial so that the triangular pointer lines up with the desired alarm time; the central crown operates the inner dive bezel and the lowest crown sets the time.

The rich gradient-blue dial consists of three concentric circles finished in different textures and featuring bold trapezoid-shaped indexes and three Arabic numerals. The central disc of the dials is sunray-brushed, complementing the subtle graining of the middle ring and the opaline finish of the outer ring, which serves as the unidirectional rotating bezel. The watch has impeccable legibility, courtesy luminescent hands, indexes and numerals, while the brand’s logo sits eminently at 12 o’clock. Jaeger-LeCoultre has gone a step further, maximising divers’ safety by using different colours to distinguish the hour and minute hands. The running seconds hand is tipped in orange for daylight visibility, with a central luminescent section to avoid any possibility of confusion with the other hands.

Powering the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Memovox is a revised self-winding calibre 956, with a power reserve of 45 hours, which is also visible through the transparent sapphire back. Unlike previous Memovox watches that had a closed case back, to which the gong was attached, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Memovox has a transparent sapphire case-back, allowing the wearer to watch the hammer in action. To achieve this, a complete redesign of the striking mechanism was required, with the gong now attached to the case side. The open-worked heavy metal rotor ensures an unobstructed view of the strike-works, its Côtes de Genève decoration matching the fine finishing on the movement plates. One important element remains unchanged, however: the signature “school bell” sound of the alarm, which lends such charm to the Memovox.

Thanks to the Manufacture’s expertise in striking movements, the Memovox has become the reference in wristwatch alarm calibres since it was introduced 70 years ago – employed in watches designed for both urban lifestyles and underwater sports.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE POLARIS MARINER MEMOVOX

Dimensions: 42mm x 15.63mm

Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956

Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm, unidirectional rotating inner bezel

Power reserve: 45 hours

Case and Bracelet: stainless steel

Dial: gradient blue dial, sunrayed, grained and opaline finishes

Case-back: open

Water resistance: 30 bar

Reference: Q9038180

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Date

Next up is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Date. This watch offers the classic diving-watch functions of hours and minutes, with a running time indicator (seconds hand) and unidirectional inner bezel, and the addition of an instantly-jumping date display. The dual-crown configuration is typical of super compressor-type diving watch cases, with the upper crown for operating the inner bezel and the lower one for setting the time and date.

Beating inside the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Mariner Date is Calibre 899, a new-generation movement, fitted with some technical improvements to guarantee a power reserve of 70 hours (previously 38 hours).

JAEGER-LECOULTRE POLARIS MARINER DATE

Dimensions: 42mm x 13.92mm

Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 899

Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, unidirectional rotating inner bezel

Power reserve: 70 hours

Case and Bracelet: stainless steel

Dial: gradient blue dial, sunrayed, grained and opaline finish

Case-back: open

Water resistance: 30 bar

Reference: Q9068180

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INTRODUCING: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Q4118420 and Master Control Memovox Timer Q410848J

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Chiming watches have been Jaeger-LeCoultre’s forte for over 150 Years now. The manufacture’s history which is intimately tied to its peaceful and unspoiled surroundings in the Vallée de Joux, where the sounds of nature still prevail, are a source of inspiration for the two new creations being unveiled by the Grande Maison today. Master Control Memovox Q4118420 and Master Control Memovox Timer Q410848J. These timepieces express a century and a half of accumulated expertise in fresh new ways.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Q4118420

Exquisite and oh-so desirable, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox is a contemporary styled alarm-plus-date watch, inspired by the first Memovox alarm watches of the 1950s, which was a cult piece even back then. What made the collection popular was the distinctive dial design and of course the technicals that followed. The playground for the vintage charm in new-age style of the Memovox is the 40 mm x 12.39mm satin and polished stainless steel case. The case is flanged by two crowns on the right; the crown at 4 o’clock sets the time and winds the watch while the crown at 2 o clock, sets the alarm and the date (displayed at 3).

The Master Control Memovox is powered by a completely redesigned in-house automatic mechanical movement, Caliber 956, a direct descendant of the original. Unlike previous Memovox watches that had a closed case back, to which the gong was attached; the new Master Control Memovox has a transparent sapphire case back, allowing the wearer to enjoy watching the hammer in action. This demanded a complete redesign of the striking mechanism, with the gong now attached to the case side. A new, open-worked pink gold rotor, decorated with Côtes de Genève to match the fine finishing on the movement plates, ensures an unobstructed view of the strike-works. One important element remains unchanged, however: the signature “school bell” sound of the alarm, which lends such charm to the Memovox.

Setting the alarm on the Memovox is actually easier than it looks. All you need to do is pull the crown located at 2 o clock out and turn it counter-clockwise.  This will rotate the internal dial disc located at the centre of the dial, along with its triangular pointer that can be aligned with your desired ring time.

The whole casual look seems to be working quite well not only for the Memovox but for the entire Master Control Collection. The watch is so immaculately designed that the alarm time scale does not interfere with dial’s appearance. The silvery sunray-brushed dial serves as the perfect backdrop for the elongated triangular shape applied indexes, the Dauphine hands, and the blue seconds hand that adds a subtle pop of colour. Completing the overall look is a tan Novonappa® calf leather strap. Produced by the finest tannery in France, through a vegetable-based tanning process that retains the natural variations of the hides, Novonappa gains a distinctive patina over time. Thanks to a Presto Spring lug attachment and a simple clip for removing and refitting the deployant buckle, the Novonappa straps can be quickly changed, without the need for any tool.

MASTER CONTROL MEMOVOX
Dimensions: 40 mm x 12.39mm
Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956
Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm (Memovox function)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Case: stainless steel with satin and polished finishes
Dial: silver sunray dial
Case-back: open
Water resistance: 5 bar

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer Q410848J

The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer Q410848J is offered in a limited run of 250 pieces. It incorporates an entirely new alarm-setting mechanism that enables the owner to set the alarm based on the number of hours that should elapse before the alarm rings (for example, the duration of a meeting or the number of hours of sleep on a given night). Alternatively, the owner may set the alarm in the traditional way, based on a particular time (such as the time of an appointment or a wake-up alarm to catch a flight). The indicators are linked, so that whichever alarm-setting method is chosen, the second indicator will automatically move to the corresponding position.

The dial consists of two concentric circles in two different shades of blue. Both are sunray-finished. It’s this contrast that makes all the numbers and references stand out.  The inner ring engraved in bas-relief features polished numerals. On the inner ring, the elapsed hours-until-alarm are indicated by a small hand tipped with a red JL logo. Set at the outer edge of that ring, the Memovox’s signature triangular marker points to the time at which the alarm will ring.

All of this is cased in a solid 40 mm x 12.39mm stainless steel case which helps the watch to achieve water resistance of 5 bar.

Powering the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer Q410848J is a revised self-winding calibre 956 which is also visible through the transparent sapphire back.

MASTER CONTROL MEMOVOX TIMER
Dimensions: 40 mm x 12.39mm
Calibre: automatic mechanical movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 956
Functions: hours/minutes/seconds, date, alarm (Memovox function), timer indication (hand with the JL
logo)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Case: stainless steel with satin and polished finishes
Dial: two-tone blue sunray dial, engraved numerals on the Memovox disc
Case-back: open
Water resistance: 5 bar

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INTRODUCING: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Red-Wine Ref. Q3288560

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

There are hardly any other collection of watches that are as timeless as the Reverso. Launched in 1931, the idea for the Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic line of dual-faced watches, was born in Jodhpur, India after a British officer stationed in the country noticed his watch was sustaining frequent damage during polo matches. Months later, the problem was addressed with a simple idea that no one had previously thought of — turning the case over.  Today, the Reverso has become one of the most immediately recognisable watches of all time, looking as fresh and modern as when it first appeared, despite its countless iterations.

For 2020, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces a new interpretation of its most admired wristwatch for women. Meet the new Reverso One Red-Wine Reference: Q3288560

Distinguished, like all Reverso models, by the strength and purity of line derived from the original Art Deco design, and identified by the three straight-line gadroons that define both the upper and lower edges of the case, the new Reverso One Red-Wine introduces fresh colour and new refinement to the collection.

Dressed in polished stainless steel, the case of the new Reverso One Red-Wine is slightly more elongated than the traditional Reverso case; a design inspired by the very first Reverso Lady model of 1931. A row of grain-set diamonds define the gadroons at the upper and lower edges of the case while finely drawn lines define the four corners of the dial, where the light and airy Arabic numerals look almost as if they have been hand-sketched.

The vivid new red-wine dial is complemented by white numerals and dauphine hands. The rich glow you see here is achieved by applying multiple layers of lacquer over a subtle sunray guilloché pattern. Beating inside the 40 mm x 20 mm x 7.9 mm case, is a quartz Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 657.

Back in the days, the casebacks of Reversos were either solid or blank, but nowadays they can be decorated in myriad ways with either a special message, a significant date or even a bespoke design. The possibilities are as infinite as the skills of the designers and engravers at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture.

Fitted with a red-wine shiny alligator strap, the new Reverso One Red-Wine is priced at $9,050 Australian Dollars.

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