Having lived in Australia for over 20 years now, and being an ardent lover of JLC’s work, I was thrilled to hear that Jaeger-LeCoultre would be gracing the streets of Sydney, with its very first Australian boutique. Located on King Street, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, this initiative, in partnership with Kennedy, is nothing short of exciting and has all the elements that reflect the grandeur of a brand of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s calibre.
The plush ambience of the boutique ties in with the brands’ identity; an ode to a rich history of 186 years, a celebration of the Maison’s iconic savoir-faire and the art of precision. While the boutique architecture reflects an art deco style which has also been the inspiration for some of the most known collections by the Maison, the interiors reflect the calm and exquisite atmosphere from the forests and lakes of Vallee de Joux, home to Jaeger-LeCoultre and an immediate association with fine watchmaking. The intimate setting of the boutique instantly connects the clients with the feeling of exclusivity and privacy.
“We are delighted to launch our first boutique in Sydney, and in Australia, with our partner Kennedy. This is a significant milestone for the development of our Maison locally. This new home of fine watchmaking will be devoted to the exclusive creations from our manufacture, nestled in the heart of Vallee de Joux since 1833.” Justin Devaux – Country Manager – Australia & New Zealand.
“Kennedy is proud to partner with Jaeger-LeCoultre as they bring the precision and sophistication they are renowned for to the heart of Sydney. This first boutique is a celebration of fine watchmaking and it is a privilege to be working together.” James Kennedy – Kennedy Executive Chairman.
Ok so the one thing I can confidently say is that this new space does very well in reminding you all of the great work JLC does.
As you enter the boutique the Grande Maison’s creations take centre-stage. The selection of watches are just fantastic. The boutique offers some of the Grande Maison’s finest complications, as well as the brand’s latest models. Adding to the already existing collection present at the store is the very elegant Rendez-Vous line which has been reimagined this year. Even at a glance, these new versions show a stunning richness of detail with elements that fully adhere to the codes of High Jewellery; the addition of a prong setting, a new vision of moon phases, the distinct character of diamonds and mother-of-pearl, and the redesign of Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibers 898B and 925A.
The remarkable Master Ultra-Thin line enriches its collection with three new models featuring complications among the most emblematic of watchmaking expertise – moon phases, tourbillon, date, and perpetual calendar. A testament to precision and sophistication, these three new limited editions in white gold and midnight blue enamel complement the Master collection.
If you’re a die-hard Reverso fan, you’re in for a surprise. Synonymous with the brands heritage, the Reverso collection has been enchanting both men and women with an eye for beauty since its creation. The Art Deco style was inspired by a dream of a grand ideal, and the desire to offer the world a new aesthetic and new values with the two dials and day-to-night offering. It sought a new balance, a symbiosis between form and function.
In addition to Reverso’s, you can expect a lot of Polaris’. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris collection also embodies the characteristic elegance of the Grande Maison. The dial features sunray brushed, grained and opaline finishes, while the case plays with light across its alternating brushed and polished design. At the heart of this historic model is an iconic function: the alarm. Originally, this Memovox function, or “voice of memory”, served to remind divers that it was time to return to the surface. The original design with two off-center crowns and slightly thickened domed glass for enhanced readability has inspired the new collection; a sporty look that evokes the Jaeger instruments fitted in the most iconic vintage cars.
In a move to provide more innovative and tailored experiences for its clientele, with every purchase in store, customers will be able to exclusively register their Jaeger-LeCoultre clocks and watches on a dedicated online platform that will allow them to manage their personal collection and benefit from the Grand Maison’s Care program. The Care program will deploy a dedicated digital platform, highly personalised with value-added information, advice and services as well as an up to 8-year International Limited Warranty.
So if you’re kicking around down King Street or the CBD and want the complete JLC experience, swing by the new boutique at Shop 4, 84 King Street Sydney NSW 2000.